In the early hours of the morning, chaos erupted inside an adult entertainment venue in the South Loop of Chicago. Four men were shot following a fight that broke out inside the Deja Vu Showgirls at 750 South Clinton Street. The incident occurred just after 3:30 a.m., leaving three of the victims in fair condition and one in critical condition. The victims, aged between 26 and 35 years old, were rushed to Stroger and Northwestern hospitals for treatment.
The aftermath of the shooting left witnesses shaken and in disbelief. Luke Zapolski, who was leaving a nearby train station, described the scene as one of chaos, with police cars racing down the street, sirens blaring, and people screaming and running out of the club. Another witness, Jasmine Conner, recounted hearing shots fired as she exited a bathroom, only to find a man shot on the floor upon returning downstairs. Despite the harrowing situation, she and others attempted to assist the injured individual.
The lack of clarity surrounding the motive behind the shooting and the absence of any arrests have left the community on edge. Alderman Jason Ervin, representing the 28th ward where the Deja Vu club is located, has pledged to collaborate with the Chicago Police Department to address the ongoing safety concerns at the establishment. This includes the possibility of issuing a summary closure order, which would require the business to remain shut until it presents an approved safety plan.
In a surprising turn of events, CBS News Chicago discovered a sign posted on the venue indicating that it had indeed been shut down by the police through a summary closure. Earlier in the day, the owner had expressed intentions to reopen the club that night. However, upon seeing the closure notice, he retreated inside without making any statements. This closure marks a significant development in the aftermath of the shooting and underscores the urgency of addressing safety issues at the establishment.
This incident is not the first time that violence has marred the vicinity of Deja Vu. In November of the previous year, a security guard was shot while escorting someone out of the club in the early hours of the morning. The assailant, driving a black Tesla, fired at the guard before fleeing the scene. These recurring incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and security measures in and around adult entertainment venues to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
As the investigation into the recent shooting continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent incident. The need for enhanced safety protocols and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future is paramount. The closure of the Deja Vu Showgirls serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked violence and the importance of prioritizing public safety in all establishments.
