17-Year-Old Charged in Chicago Tree Lighting Shooting

Damaurion Cherry faces multiple felony counts after 7 teens were injured in the November incident.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A 17-year-old Chicago resident named Damaurion Cherry has been charged with seven felony counts of first-degree attempted murder, seven felony counts of aggravated battery, and seven felony counts of discharging a firearm in connection with a shooting that occurred during the city's annual tree lighting ceremony in November. The incident left seven teens ranging in age from 13 to 17 injured.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Chicago tree lighting ceremony has raised concerns about gun violence and public safety at large community events in the city. The charges against the 17-year-old suspect also highlight ongoing issues around juvenile crime and the challenges of addressing repeat offenders.

The details

According to prosecutors, surveillance video showed two groups of teens talking, which escalated into the shooting. The victims included a 13-year-old female, a 14-year-old female, two 14-year-old males, a 15-year-old male, a 16-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male. Prosecutors said Cherry was already on probation for a robbery last summer when the tree lighting shooting occurred, and he was also charged with robbing someone at gunpoint later that same night in a separate incident.

  • The shooting occurred on November 21, 2026 during Chicago's annual tree lighting ceremony.
  • Cherry was arrested on Wednesday after finishing a hospital stay for a gunshot wound he sustained two months after the tree lighting incident.

The players

Damaurion Cherry

A 17-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with multiple felonies, including seven counts of first-degree attempted murder, seven counts of aggravated battery, and seven counts of discharging a firearm, in connection with the shooting at the Chicago tree lighting ceremony.

Judge John Hock

The judge who ordered Cherry detained, stating that this was a "clear escalation of extremely violent and dangerous behavior" on the part of the 17-year-old suspect.

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What they’re saying

“This is a clear escalation of extremely violent and dangerous behavior.”

— Judge John Hock

What’s next

Cherry is due back in court on February 25 for further proceedings.

The takeaway

The shooting at the Chicago tree lighting ceremony highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing gun violence, particularly among youth offenders. The charges against the 17-year-old suspect underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such incidents and protect public safety at large community events.