Illinois State Police are investigating after seven members of one family were shot in what officials described as a targeted mass shooting in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Sunday. Five people died and two others were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Two Teen Suspects Taken Into Custody
Authorities said two suspects, both 16 years old, were taken into custody in connection with the shootings.
Illinois State Police announced the arrests during a press briefing, but officials said charges had not yet been filed at the time of the update.
Shootings Reported at Multiple Locations
Police said the violence unfolded across several locations in East St. Louis.
The reported scenes included the area of 39th and Summit, the Gompers public housing project, and Jones Park.
Officials described the shootings as targeted and said the victims were members of the same family.
Five Dead, Two Seriously Injured
Five family members were killed in the attacks.
Two additional victims survived but were transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the victims’ identities or the possible motive behind the shootings.
Police Condemn “Horrific Violence”
Police described the incident as a devastating and evil act of violence that took multiple lives in the East St. Louis community.
Officials said the tragedy was deeply painful, but stressed that it would not define or defeat the city.
They also called the shootings a “terrible, terrible act of violence” as the investigation continues.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate the shootings and gather evidence from the different crime scenes.
Because the suspects are juveniles and charges had not yet been filed, officials have released limited information about what may have led to the attacks.
More updates are expected as investigators determine the next legal steps.
The targeted mass shooting in East St. Louis has left five family members dead and two others seriously injured. With two 16-year-old suspects now in custody, police are working to understand how the violence unfolded across multiple locations and what motivated the attack. The case has shaken the community and remains under active investigation.