The queer community has faced two attacks within 24 hours as Pride Month ends. The first occurred as two people were wounded at Harlem’s Lambda Lounge in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Bar patrons were leaving the bar just before 3 am as shots rang out, hitting a 51 year old security guard and a 39 year old man.
The masked gunman ran off and has not been caught. Later Wednesday night at least 4 people were killed and 14 others were wounded after a drive-by shooting outside Chicago’s Artis Lounge. The attack happened as a crowd was leaving the venue following a performance by rapper Mello Buckzz. On Instagram, Artis posted a message about the incident writing:
“Artis was created as a safe space. A space where Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities could gather, be celebrated, and feel at home in River North. We’ve always led with that mission. And what happened last night disrupted it in the most painful way. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
