A mass shooting occurred on a CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park, a western suburb, on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of four people.
The victims, all passengers on the train, were shot just before 5:30 a.m. as the train was nearing the Forest Park terminal, according to Deputy Chief Christopher Chin of the Forest Park Police.
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth was taken to a nearby hospital where they later died.
The identities of the victims had not been released by Monday afternoon.
Chin described the shooting as an isolated event, stating there was no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators believe there was only one shooter, who did not seem to know the victims, all of whom were reportedly homeless and sleeping on the train.
The attack appeared to be entirely random, with no indication that the shooter attempted to rob the victims.
“This is obviously a shocking and rare occurrence, particularly on a holiday like Labor Day when people should be spending time with their families,” Chin said. “It’s a terrible situation to wake up to, especially on a Monday morning.”
The suspected shooter was identified and apprehended later Monday morning on a CTA Pink Line Train, thanks to surveillance footage. A weapon was also recovered.
Service on the Blue Line was halted between Forest Park and Austin, with shuttle buses provided to assist passengers. Trains continued to operate between O’Hare and Austin.
Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins called the event a “horrible tragedy,” especially given that it occurred over Labor Day weekend.
The CTA issued a statement condemning the incident as a “heinous crime and tragedy,” expressing condolences to the victims’ families and emphasizing their commitment to the safety of riders and employees.
The CTA also commended the swift response of the Forest Park and Chicago Police Departments and pledged continued cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
