After an unimaginable shooting incident at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday night, both the White Sox and Chicago Police Department have released statements as an update for what actually occurred – though the full story is not yet clear.
The White Sox statement reads as follows:
“The Chicago White Sox released the following statement regarding tonight’s incident: Two fans attending Friday’s game suffered non-life threatening injuries after being struck by bullets. It is unclear to investigators whether the shots were fired from outside or inside the ballpark. The incident continues to be investigated by Area One detectives from the Chicago Police Department. While the police continue to investigate, White Sox security confirms that this incident did not involve an altercation of any kind. The White Sox are thinking of the victims at this time and wishing them a speedy recovery.”
Chicago White Sox (via Twitter press release)
The Chicago Police Department’s statement reads as follows:
“This evening during the Chicago White Sox vs Oakland Athletics game at Guaranteed Rate Field, a 42-year-old female victim sustained one gun-shot wound to the leg. A 26-year-old female victim also sustained a graze wound to the abdomen. The 42-year-old female was transported to University of Chicago Medical Center where she is listed in fair condition. The 26-year-old female refused medical attention. Upon receiving notification of this incident, CPD responded immediately and deployed additional resources while coordinating with White Sox security to maintain the safety of those who were in attendance of working at the game. At no time was it believed there was an active threat. This information is still preliminary as Area One Detectives are investigating. We are asking anyone with information about this incident to please contact Area One Detective Division at 312-747-8380 or submit an anonymous tip through CPDTIP.com”
Chicago Police Department (via Twitter press release)
If it’s not abundantly clear from the press releases, details are still being gathered. The most important one still outstanding: Were shots fired within the stadium or not? Neither statement was incredibly clear on that fact and additional reports do not provide a concrete answer. Additionally, it isn’t known when this incident occurred either, especially considering that at no point were fans considered in further danger, according to the Chicago PD’s report.
From what can be gathered from reports, multiple people were involved in a shooting inside Guaranteed Rate Field during Friday night’s White Sox game. A recording from a Chicago-area police scanner can be heard saying there were three victims involved in the incident that took place around sections 161 and 162, though the official statements only identified two individuals who were struck.
As mentioned, while it is not entirely known at what point during the game the supposed shooting occurred, it was speculated to have occurred as early as the third inning. The incident was followed by the evacuation of sections 161 and 162 – but no other parts of the ballpark.
The White Sox also canceled their Vanilla Ice postgame concert due to “technical issues” – though it’s likely those issues were far more related to this incident than any piece of equipment.
With the most recent updates from the White Sox and Chicago Police Department, there are still more questions than answers. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates.
There is no record of anyone being arrested in relation to the incident at this time.
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Featured Photo: @KadeHeather / Twitter
Chicago, how’s your gun ordinance working out? What a joke.
The problem isn’t Chicago’s gun ordinance! The problem is guns being brought in from neighboring states with laxer gun laws. A Chicago police report stated that less than half of guns used in violent crimes originate in Illinois! The joke is on you!