Chicago, IL – A tragic incident unfolded at Navy Pier in Chicago when a former employee returned to the tourist attraction and fatally shot two workers before fleeing, according to authorities. The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon as the assailant gained access to an office space near a loading dock at Navy Pier.
Police Chief of Patrol Jon Hein revealed that the suspect, who had been terminated from his position at Navy Pier on October 14, shot Lamont Johnson, 51, and another unidentified 47-year-old man. Both victims were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Following the shootings, the site was placed on lockdown, and an alert was issued to residents in the vicinity. Brian Murphy, Navy Pier’s chief operating officer, mentioned that the suspect, being a former employee of a subcontractor, had knowledge of how to access the back loading dock area.
Witnesses shared their experiences during the lockdown, with Stephanie Knowles, an employee at a souvenir shop, recounting how they turned off lights and sought refuge in a storage room. The incident left many on edge, with Knowles drawing parallels to the fear surrounding school shootings.
Authorities have refrained from disclosing the identity of the alleged attacker, citing a department policy of not naming individuals until charges are filed. It remains unclear why one of the deceased workers remains unidentified while the other has been named.
The tragic incident has undoubtedly shaken the community, highlighting the importance of workplace safety and security measures. As investigations continue, authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims and their loved ones affected by this senseless act of violence.