• 15 Oct, 2024

Four Killed in Shooting on Chicago-Area Commuter Train, Authorities Report

Four Killed in Shooting on Chicago-Area Commuter Train, Authorities Report

A tragic shooting occurred on a commuter train near Chicago on the morning of Labor Day, resulting in four fatalities, according to police reports.

Forest Park, Ill. — A tragic shooting occurred on a commuter train near Chicago on the morning of Labor Day, resulting in four fatalities, according to police reports.

Three individuals were declared dead at the Forest Park station, which serves as an above-ground stop on the CTA Blue Line. A fourth victim later succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

The suspect initially fled the scene but was later apprehended on a different train line, as stated by the Forest Park police.

"A firearm was recovered," stated Deputy Chief Chris Chin of the Forest Park Police, addressing the media. "There is no ongoing threat. This seems to be an isolated incident on a tragic day."

Authorities were alerted around 5:30 a.m. Chin mentioned he did not have immediate details to share about the victims. He described the shooting as "shocking" and "horrific."

"This senseless and atrocious act of violence should never have happened, especially on a public transit train," said the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

The CTA also noted that footage from security cameras played a crucial role in assisting the investigation.

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins said his community, population 14,000, is the only Chicago suburb in Cook County where two major train lines end.

“It’s a horrible tragedy that four people are dead on Labor Day weekend,” Hoskins said. “Our police department and our fire department respond to this location probably more than any other location in our jurisdiction.”

A regular rider, Sean McNulty, had to take a bus Monday because of service interruptions related to the shooting. He said criminal activity sometimes is a reality on the train.