Man Killed In Juneteenth Celebration Shooting ID'd: Report

WILLOWBROOK, IL — Officials have identified the man who was killed in a shooting that wounded 22 other people, at least two critically, in a mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration early Sunday.

According to multiple news outlets, the DuPage County Coroner's Office confirmed that Reginald Meadows, 31, of Willowbrook, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

A GoFundMe for Meadows' family said he was a devoted father of two.

"In this time of profound sorrow, we humbly appeal to your kindness and generosity to support Reggie's family as they navigate this difficult journey, keeping his memory alive and providing a secure future for RJ and Gabby," the organizer wrote, calling him "a beacon of love and strength." The organizer added, "Reggie was not only a loving father but also the sole provider for his two cherished children."

DuPage County Sheriff's officials said the peaceful Juneteenth celebration was shattered by gunfire around 12:30 a.m. at the Hinsdale Lake Terrace apartment complex at Honeysuckle Rose Lane and Route 83 in unincorporated DuPage County near Willowbrook.

The celebration had begun around 6 p.m., officials said. Deputies who had been in the area of the event were called away by a 911 call reporting a fight nearby, but returned to the scene after hearing gunshots, according to police.

Police on Sunday confirmed that 22 people were wounded by gunfire, and "several other victims were also injured while attempting to flee the area."

Detectives were in the process of interviewing the victims and witnesses, and reviewing footage from the area and from cellphones of those in attendance, police said Sunday. Police were unsure Sunday how many shooters opened fire on the crowd — estimated by one witness to be around 300 people earlier in the night — but said multiple rounds were fired from multiple weapons.

A DuPage County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told the Daily Herald that investigators were interviewing "persons of interest" on Sunday. No arrests have been announced, and the motive behind the shooting was unclear.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and President Joe Biden have issued statements in the wake of the violence.

"Gathering for a holiday gathering should be a joyful occasion, not a time where gunfire erupts and families are forced to run for safety," Pritzker said in a tweet.

Pritzker, who said he is "closely monitoring" the shooting, thanked first responders for their actions.

"As I've said time and time again, gun violence is a public health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone," Pritzker said.

"The President and First Lady are thinking of those killed and injured in the shooting in Illinois last night," the White House said in a statement. "We have reached out to offer assistance to state and local leaders in the wake of this tragedy at a community Juneteenth celebration."