RIVER NORTH — Four people were killed and 14 were wounded late Wednesday in a mass shooting outside a River North restaurant and lounge, police said.

The shooting appears to be the worst in years for Chicago.

At 11:02 p.m., a dark-colored car went past Artis Restaurant, 311 W. Chicago Ave., and a person in the car shot at a crowd of people standing outside, police said. The people in the car drove off.

Two women, whose ages weren’t known, were shot in their chests and taken to Northwestern Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, police said.

A 24-year-old man who was shot in his chest and a 25-year-old man who was shot in his head were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, police said.

At least 14 people were wounded and taken to local hospitals, police said.

Among them, three women were in critical condition: a 24-year-old woman shot in her back, a 25-year-old woman shot in her left leg and a 21-year-old woman shot in her mouth. A 31-year-old woman who was shot multiple times throughout her body was in serious condition, police said.

The other victims — 10 men and women 24 to 32 years old — were in fair to good condition at various hospitals, police said.

The shooting came after an album release party for Mello Buckzz. The artist posted about the victims on social media, asking people to pray for the victims.

“I dont wish this typa pain on nobody,” she wrote on Instagram.

A friend of the rapper’s posted video of the celebration, showing Mello Buckzz and the crowd celebrating and dancing before the shooting.

There was still blood and people’s personal items strewn about where the shooting happened Thursday morning near the stairs at the Chicago Avenue Brown and Purple line station.

Artis posted about the violence on social media, saying it “shook us deeply.”

“Artis was created as a safe space,” the business wrote on Instagram. “Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.

“We are working closely with authorities and taking steps to ensure the continued safety of our community. This moment is painful — but it only strengthens our commitment to holding space for those who need it most.”

Another mass shooting in the same location left a man dead and three people wounded in 2022. That shooting led to the city shutting down Hush, a bar which had been in the location at that time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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