Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz is mourning the victims of the mass shooting that left four dead and 14 others wounded at her July 3 album listening party.
On Tuesday (July 15), Mello shared a message on Instagram about the shooting, writing that she's heartbroken over the four people who died.
"What was supposed to be a joyful and peaceful night ended in heartbreak," Mello wrote. "These weren't strangers. These were people I love. These were friends, family, creatives, significant others, and people who've been with me through this entire journey."
She continued, "What happened was senseless, and there's no reason a group of innocent people, mostly women, should have ever been targeted in that way. ... I carry a heavy heart knowing so many lives were affected. My heart aches for the lives lost, for those who are healing from physical and emotional wounds, and for the spaces and spirits that may never be the same again."
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the shooting occurred around 11 p.m. outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge in Chicago's River North neighborhood, where Mello was celebrating the release of her latest project, HollyHOOD The Mixtape.
Police said a person in a dark-colored vehicle drove by and opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the party before fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made, though police believe multiple shooters may have been involved, as shell casings from two different calibers were recovered from the scene.
Among those killed were two men, ages 23 and 25, and two women, ages 26 and 27. Mello promised to honor the victims and support those still recovering from their injuries.
"This moment is something that changed a number of us incredibly. I will continue to honor those we lost, stand by those who are healing, and do everything I can to keep their memory alive," the rapper wrote. "Please continue to pray for the families and our community as we try to make sense of everything."
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling also spoke on the violence in a statement and condemned it as "cowardly," while Mayor Brandon Johnson called for any witnesses to speak up. City officials have already closed Artis Restaurant amid the investigation, and some leaders are advocating for the venue's license to be revoked due to safety concerns.
