Update May 27, 12:09 p.m. — Close-up video of a person extending a firearm seconds before the shot is fired has been posted to Twitter.
CHICAGO — Memorial Day is off to an ominous start as Chicago police investigate shots fired at North Avenue Beach on Friday afternoon. No injuries were immediately reported.
Officers assigned to the beach reported a fight near the boathouse at the south end of the beach around 1:25 p.m. Within seconds, the officers reported shots being fired.
At least two people were detained for questioning, a 15-year-old boy who may have been the gunman and another person who was found with two firearms during a street stop nearby.
Univision Chicago reporter Mariano Gielis captured a remarkable video that shows Chicago police officers were just steps away when at least one shot was fired. Watch:
An officer who reviewed surveillance video said the gunman was a Hispanic male wearing a black t-shirt, faded jeans, and white hightops.
Although witnesses reported significant blood at the scene, no gunshot victims were immediately found.
Two people who went to the beach shortly after 2 p.m. told CWBChicago that police officers turned them away, saying the area was closed.
Officers who worked the morning shift in the Near North (18th) District were ordered to stay on duty until the situation at the beach is stabilized.
The gunfire erupted just a few hours before Chicago police leaders are scheduled to hold a press conference at Millennium Park to highlight their safety plan for the holiday weekend.
Last Memorial Day weekend, Chicago police arrested nine people for trying to bring firearms through checkpoints at North Avenue Beach.
On June 21, 2022, a man was shot in the face during a large brawl at the beach. Chicago police released surveillance images of the gunman, but no charges have been announced.