A recently fired employee turned Navy Pier into a scene of tragedy, killing two workers. Chicago police continue their hunt for the suspect.
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CHICAGO, IL
– In a tragic turn of events at
Chicago
’s Navy Pier, a former employee returned to the bustling lakeside attraction on Tuesday, turning an ordinary afternoon into a moment of shock and sorrow. The assailant, a recently terminated worker, accessed a restricted office area near the loading dock, where he fatally shot two employees. The incident has left both staff and the public grappling with the sudden violence at one of the city’s most frequented landmarks.
A Tragic Turn at Chicago’s Tourist Hotspot
Police identified the victims as 51-year-old Lamont Johnson and another man, aged 47, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. After the shooting, the gunman fled, and both victims were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Investigators have not released the suspect’s name, adhering to departmental policies about revealing identities before formal charges are filed. While authorities have not indicated whether they believe the suspect is a current danger to the public, they have noted that the suspect’s firing just last month, on October 14, may be relevant to understanding the motive behind this tragic event.
Suspect Leveraged Inside Knowledge to Access Restricted Areas
The suspect, formerly employed by a Navy Pier subcontractor, knew how to navigate the area, reportedly accessing the office through the back loading dock. This familiar route likely enabled him to enter without raising suspicion.
In light of the incident, Navy Pier’s Chief Operating Officer, Brian Murphy, acknowledged that the suspect’s familiarity with the premises allowed him to approach this normally restricted area.
A Sudden Lockdown Leaves Employees Shaken
Following the attack, Navy Pier quickly implemented lockdown protocols, alerting nearby residents and prompting employees to secure the premises. Among those on-site during the incident was Stephanie Knowles, who works in a souvenir shop at the pier.
After her manager received word of the shooting, she and her colleagues moved quickly, shutting off lights and hiding in a back storage room. Knowles described her fear during the ordeal, likening it to the harrowing experiences often associated with high school lockdowns and active shooter situations.
As authorities continue to investigate, Navy Pier has increased security efforts, hoping to reassure staff and visitors alike in the days ahead. This tragic episode highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, especially in spaces where familiarity and routine can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.
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