Introduction to the Incident
Workers and travelers described hearing “rapid fire,” seeing a violent brawl and “people scattering” early Wednesday when a shooting erupted outside O’Hare Airport, according to videos reviewed by the Sun-Times.
Details of the Shooting
Several people began arguing about 12:55 a.m. in the airport when it spilled onto the street outside Terminal 2, and a 25-year-old man was shot twice in his lower body, Chicago police said. The man was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where his condition was stabilized, police said.
Police Response
“Gunshots fired at the airport,’’ said a dispatcher over police radio as the situation began. Six to seven males wearing all black fighting in the terminal “went outside and started shooting,” the dispatcher said. Responding Jefferson Park District police officers asked where exactly it happened. “2A,” a dispatcher said. “Downstairs in arrivals.” Over the air, an officer gave a description of the possible gunman, who had dreadlocks and was in a black SUV.
Eyewitness Accounts
James Van Schaick was in a hotel “right across the way” when he heard a “half-dozen to a dozen shots.” “I heard a bunch of rapid fire, and I opened up my curtain and I looked, and I saw people scattering,” Van Schaick told Network Video Productions. “I didn’t see [officers] chasing after anybody.”
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities investigate after a man was shot early Wednesday outside Terminal 2 at O’Hare International Airport.
Authorities investigate after a man was shot early Wednesday outside Terminal 2 at O’Hare International Airport.
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Network Video Productions
Shattered glass where a bullet went through is seen in the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2 Wednesday.
Shattered glass where a bullet went through is seen in the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2 Wednesday.
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Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A worker measures shattered glass outside the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2, where a man was shot during a fight early Wednesday.
A worker measures shattered glass outside the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2, where a man was shot during a fight early Wednesday.
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Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Reactions from Travelers
Late Wednesday morning, several travelers expressed fear, shock and sadness about what happened and reflected on what authorities could do to prevent it from happening again. Bryan Saint-Louis sat listening to music feet from where workers boarded up the shattered window. Saint-Louis, a public speaker who flew to Chicago from St. John’s, Canada, said he was a “little shocked” to hear about the shooting.
A person walks in front of shattered glass, where a bullet went through hours earlier, in the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2, Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Traveler Reactions and Suggestions
Neal Teschendorf, who traveled from Manila, Philippines, stands in the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2, where a gunman shot another man early Wednesday.
Neal Teschendorf, who traveled from Manila, Philippines, stands in the arrival area of O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 2, where a gunman shot another man early Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A weary Neal Teschendorf, who was making his way back to his Ohio home after vacationing in the Philippines, said he planned on being cautious about his surroundings as always, and was determined not to “live in fear.” Thomas Xavier, who flew in from Houston, kept his hands in his pockets to avoid the chilly wind. “Something happening like that, it’s not safe,” Xavier, a 50-year-old head chef traveling to Chicago for work, said of the shooting.
Conclusion
The shooting at O’Hare Airport highlights the need for increased security measures at public places, especially airports, to ensure the safety of travelers. The incident has left many
