Incident at Chicago O’Hare Airport Spurs Investigation After Injuries Reported

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A 25-year-old man was shot twice outside Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport following a late-night altercation, with dozens of shell casings found at the scene and a stray bullet shattering a nearby window that terrified waiting passengers.

Quick Takes

The shooting occurred near Terminal 2, leaving the victim with two gunshot wounds to his lower body.
Police are interviewing a second individual linked to the incident, which reportedly stemmed from a fistfight that broke out shortly after midnight.
A witness described her terror when a bullet struck a window near her, while another reported hearing “a bunch of single shots”.
Investigators found dozens of shell casings and are examining a white BMW parked near Terminal 1.
The shooting is one of nearly 200 that have occurred across America in the past 72 hours, including at least 12 in Chicago.

Gunfire Erupts Near Terminal 2

Chicago police rapidly responded to O’Hare International Airport after gunfire erupted outside Terminal 2. According to officials, the incident occurred just before 1 a.m. following an altercation involving multiple individuals on the street outside the terminal. During the confrontation, shots were fired, and a 25-year-old man sustained two gunshot wounds to his lower body. First responders transported the victim to Lutheran General Hospital, where medical staff have listed him in stable condition.

“Police responded to a call for service where an altercation occurred between multiple individuals outside of Terminal 2 on the street. During the altercation, shots were fired and a 25-year-old male victim sustained two gunshot wounds to the lower body. The victim was transported to Lutheran General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition. A second individual is currently being interviewed by Area Five Detectives. The investigation remains ongoing,” said the police.

A 25-year-old man is in stable condition after being shot during a fight at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Suffered 2 gunshot wounds & taken to area hospital. It happened overnight outside Terminal 2. One person being interviewed by detectives. Police say the investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/LYlthfPCr6

— Josh Cradduck (@JoshNBCTV) March 12, 2025

Witnesses Describe Frightening Scene

The violence left travelers and airport staff shaken. Raquel Barajas, who was in the vicinity when the shooting occurred, described her fear when a bullet struck a window near where she was waiting. “I was terrified, so honestly, these ear plugs saved my life. Getting up would have made me more scared and put me in a worse scenario, so I’m just really grateful to be alive right now,” said Barajas to reporters. Her account highlights the random danger posed to innocent bystanders during the incident.

Another witness staying at a nearby hotel reported hearing “a bunch of single shots” as the confrontation escalated. Police reports indicate the shooting stemmed from a fistfight that broke out shortly after midnight, though authorities have not disclosed whether those involved knew each other or what may have triggered the dispute. The investigation revealed significant firepower was used, with dozens of shell casings found on the ground around the scene.

Airport Operations and Ongoing Investigation

Following the shooting, authorities temporarily closed arrival lanes at the airport’s terminals as they secured the scene and began their investigation. By the early morning, all arrival lanes had reopened, allowing the busy international airport to resume normal operations with minimal disruption to morning flights. Terminal 2, where the incident occurred, houses operations for JetBlue, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines, making it a significant hub for both domestic and international travel.

Chicago police investigators are currently examining a white BMW parked near Terminal 1 that may be connected to the incident. Among the evidence collected are the numerous shell casings and documentation of a shattered window near the baggage claim area of Terminal 2, apparently struck by a stray bullet. Area Five Detectives continue interviewing witnesses and a second individual linked to the shooting as they work to determine exactly what transpired and who was responsible.

Part of a Disturbing Trend

This airport shooting is unfortunately part of a disturbing nationwide trend of gun violence. Reports indicate that nearly 200 shootings have occurred across the United States in just the past 72 hours, with at least 12 of those taking place in Chicago alone. The O’Hare incident also follows other recent airport-related shootings, including one at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in December 2024 and another incident in November 2024 where a bullet struck a Southwest Airlines plane at Dallas Love Field Airport as it prepared for takeoff.

Law enforcement officials encourage anyone with information about the O’Hare shooting to come forward as they continue to piece together the full circumstances of the incident. The investigation remains active as Chicago police work to determine if additional suspects may have been involved in what appears to be a violent confrontation that endangered numerous travelers and airport personnel.