Overview of the Incident
On the evening of May 19, 2022, a mass shooting erupted outside the McDonald’s at the intersection of North State Street and East Chicago Avenue in Chicago’s Near North Side. A verbal dispute rapidly escalated into a violent confrontation, culminating in gunfire. A minimum of 21 rounds were discharged into the crowd, resulting in nine individuals shot, including two fatalities. Among those killed was 30‑year‑old Antonio Wade, a devoted father of two young children and soon-to-be father of twins.
| Date | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2022 | 10:40 p.m. | McDonald’s, State St & Chicago Ave | Verbal argument began |
| Same night | ~10:41 p.m. | Same location | Over 21 shots fired; nine people struck by gunfire |
| May 19, 2022 | ~Late night | Northwestern Hospital | Antonio Wade pronounced dead |
| May 19, 2022 | – | Stroger, Illinois Masonic Hospitals | Other victims transported |
| May 20, 2022 | – | Red Line train tunnel | One suspect detained fleeing |
| May 22, 2022 | – | – | Two suspects formally charged |
Victim Profile: Antonio Wade
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Antonio Wade |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Children | Two: ages 2 and 3 |
| Awaiting Birth | Twins expected |
| Sustained Injury | Gunshot wound to the chest |
| Pronouncement of Death | Late-night, Northwestern Hospital |
Antonio Wade was outside the McDonald’s when a dispute, reportedly with a woman he knew, ignited. Within moments, what began as a heated argument escalated into a violent encounter involving multiple individuals. Gunfire erupted shortly thereafter. Wade sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to Northwestern Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries late that evening.
Detailed Timeline of Events
A clear chronology of the incident, arrests, and formal charges:
| Date | Time | Event Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2022 | 10:40 p.m. | Verbal dispute breaks out outside McDonald’s at State & Chicago. |
| May 19, 2022 | 10:41 p.m. | Multiple shooters fire over 21 rounds into a crowded area. |
| May 19, 2022 | ~10:45 p.m. | Nine individuals struck; two fatally wounded: Antonio Wade (30) and Anthony Allen (31). |
| May 19, 2022 | Late night | Wade dies at Northwestern Hospital; Allen dies at Stroger Hospital. |
| May 20, 2022 | – | A 21‑year‑old suspect is arrested fleeing via Red Line tunnel; a second individual faces obstruction charges. |
| May 22, 2022 | – | Charges filed: Jaylun Sanders (21) faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder; Kameron Abram (20) charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without a FOID. |
Victim and Injury Details
- Antonio Wade (30): Shot in the chest; pronounced dead at Northwestern Hospital.
- Anthony Allen (31): Shot in the lower back; pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
- Parnelius Saunders (17): Sustained nine gunshots but survived.
- Shaun Davis (29): Suffered gunshot wounds in the side and leg; survived.
- Six additional victims: Range of injuries including critical wounds; at least one woman in critical condition.
Legal and Criminal Proceedings
Legal actions taken following the shooting:
- Jaylun Sanders (21):
- Charges: 2 counts of first-degree murder; 7 counts of attempted first-degree murder.
- Kameron Abram (20):
- Charge: Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without Firearms Owner’s ID.
- Third individual: Facing obstruction charges for interfering during the suspect’s arrest.
- Hearings:
- Arrests occurred on May 20; bond court appearances followed soon after.
- Formal charges announced on May 22.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
- Mayor’s Reaction: City’s mayor denounced the event as “outrageous violence,” escalating police patrols in the vicinity.
- Site Closure: The McDonald’s building deemed “dangerous and hazardous” by city inspectors, prompting temporary closure for safety and structural review.
- Police Statement: Chicago Police Superintendent highlighted how a simple disagreement escalated with alarming speed, reflecting the broader urgency to address gun violence.
Personal and Community Impact
- Family Grief:
- Antonio Wade’s partner, Enyrah Murry, shared that their 3‑year‑old child continues waking in the night searching for their father.
- A vigil including balloon releases was held at the exact site of the shooting.
- The loss left behind Wade’s two young children and unborn twins, all without their father.
- Community Solidarity: Local residents and friends gathered, lighting candles and speaking out against the rising trend of gun violence in the city.
Mass Shooting Context: Chicago, 2022
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Mass shootings in Chicago (as of May 19, 2022) | 10 |
| Mass shooting fatalities in 2022 (as of that date) | 7 |
| Total injured in mass shootings in 2022 (as of that date) | 45 |
| Victims in this incident (May 19, 2022) | 9 shot (2 killed, 7 injured) |
- The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as an event in which four or more individuals are shot, excluding the shooter.
FAQ
What exactly happened in the shooting?
A verbal altercation outside the McDonald’s escalated, and multiple shooters fired over 20 rounds into the crowd, striking nine people.
Who was Antonio Wade?
Antonio Wade was a 30‑year‑old father of two with twins on the way, and one of the two individuals killed in the incident.
How many were shot in total?
Nine people were shot; two died (Wade and Allen), and seven sustained injuries.
Who has been arrested?
Two men, Jaylun Sanders (21) and Kameron Abram (20), have been arrested and charged; a third individual faces obstruction charges.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred outside the McDonald’s at the intersection of North State Street and East Chicago Avenue, near the Red Line train station.
Has the McDonald’s reopened?
No. The building remains closed due to safety violations and an ongoing investigation.
What charges are the suspects facing?
Sanders faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, while Abram faces aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without a FOID.
Were any children among the victims?
A 17‑year‑old boy was critically injured but survived after suffering nine gunshot wounds.
How has the city responded?
City leaders increased police presence, deemed the site hazardous, and initiated a review of building safety and gun violence prevention.
How significant is this shooting in context?
It marked the 10th mass shooting in Chicago in 2022, contributing to a total of at least 7 killed and 45 injured in such events that year.
