Police are investigating a Berwyn shooting that left three people dead Tuesday afternoon outside Lincoln Middle School, west of Chicago. The incident, which occurred around 4:05 p.m., prompted a heavy law enforcement response and briefly placed the school on lockdown.
Chicago 3 dead, including suspect, after shooting near Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois#Chicago #shooting #school #suspect #breaking #firing pic.twitter.com/c2RYpyfvGS
— mishikasingh (@mishika_singh) September 17, 2025
What Happened?
According to Berwyn police, a man was seen firing a rifle into another vehicle near the school on the 6400 block of 16th Street. When officers arrived, the suspect turned the weapon on them. Officers took cover but did not return fire.
Officials confirmed that three people, including the suspect, were killed at the scene. The shooting is being investigated as domestic-related, though the exact relationships among the victims remain unclear.
Witness Accounts and Scene Details
A witness reported that the suspect appeared angry as he approached a parked vehicle and began shooting through the windshield. Nearby surveillance cameras reportedly captured about 20 gunshots.
Aerial footage showed blood on the ground and vehicles riddled with bullet holes. Two ambulances arrived, but authorities later confirmed that all three fatalities occurred on-site.
Police said the gunman ultimately shot himself after fatally shooting two people in the other vehicle.
School Lockdown and Student Safety
Lincoln Middle School was immediately placed under a hard lockdown. In a note sent to families, the assistant principal confirmed that most students had already gone home and those in after-school programs were safe.
At a press conference, Berwyn Police Cmdr. Michael Fellows reassured the community:
“No students or staff were hurt in any way. … This is a very rare occasion in Berwyn.”
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, calling the shooting an isolated domestic incident.
Police are still working to identify the victims and gather more details. Residents are urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
