In a devastating incident that unfolded on Saturday night in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago, a mass shooting at a family gathering left a 9-year-old girl dead and 10 people injured. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 9:18 p.m. near the intersection of 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for 18 gunshots fired at the location. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals who had been shot and immediately administered life-saving measures.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black sedan approach the area, from which an unidentified individual began firing into the crowd before fleeing southbound on Damen Avenue, as stated in a police update on Sunday. Authorities believe that the shooting was likely a targeted act of violence.

Among the victims were seven adults and four children, with the most tragic outcome being the loss of 9-year-old Ariana Molina. Her father, Jose Molina, heartbreakingly shared that moments before the shooting, they were preparing to cut a celebratory cake when the gunfire erupted. It was only when he saw his daughter lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head that he realized it was not fireworks, as he initially thought. Despite his desperate attempts to help her, it was too late.

In addition to the devastating loss of Ariana, three boys ages 1, 8, and 9 were also shot. The 1-year-old and 8-year-old boys sustained critical injuries to their abdomens, while the 9-year-old boy suffered only a graze to his hand and is expected to recover fully.

The other injured victims include Ariana's mother, who was shot in the back, her godfather, and two nephews. They are currently recovering from their injuries. Several other individuals, ranging in age from 19 to 40, sustained gunshot wounds but are in stable condition.

While the police have stated that the shooting appears to be gang-related and have disclosed that there are likely two shooters involved, no arrests have been made thus far.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his condolences for the loss of eight-year-old Ariana and condemned the senseless act of violence. He emphasized that the city is determined to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.

The community is united in grief, the impact of this tragic incident reverberating throughout the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Alderman Stephanie Coleman of Chicago's 16th Ward expressed her heartfelt condolences to Ariana's family and offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured victims.

As investigations continue, the Mayor's Office of Community Safety and the Chicago Police Department are working together to bring justice to the victims and their grieving families. Updates on the case are expected in the coming days.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of violence in Chicago and work towards creating safer communities for all residents.