The attack damaged hotel windows but did not involve hotel guests or staff.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A deadly shooting outside a River North hotel early Wednesday renewed concerns about overnight safety in Chicago’s downtown entertainment and hotel district.
The gunfire broke out about 3:20 a.m. in the 500 block of North State Street, near the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North. Police said a 30-year-old man died after being shot several times, while a 65-year-old man was wounded in the foot.
Ald. Brendan Reilly said five masked, hooded gunmen got out of a matte gray Honda Accord with stolen plates. He said two carried long guns and others had handguns. Reilly described the attack as gang-related and said the men fled west after the shooting.
Police counted at least 110 shell casings at the scene. Bullet holes were visible in hotel windows and along the building’s facade. A hotel employee told ABC7 he heard multiple shots, and hotel management said no guests or workers were involved or hurt.
“Gun violence downtown is totally unacceptable, just as it should be unacceptable in any of Chicago’s neighborhoods,” Reilly said. He said he was grateful for police work but called for a stronger overnight presence downtown.
Residents and hotel guests described fear and confusion after the gunfire. Guest Cindy Monroe said she saw someone placed in an ambulance from her hotel room window. Harris Carr, who said he moved to the area in February, said the number of shots was shocking.
The shooting came in a high-profile area close to hotels, restaurants and offices. Police had not reported arrests by Wednesday night. Detectives were reviewing surveillance video and evidence from the scene as the investigation continued.
Author note: Last updated July 2, 2026.