Community Gathers to Remember Slain Woman, Demand End to Violence

Mayor, Auburn Gresham residents unite at vigil for Gabryel Ayers, 26, killed in shooting attack

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Hundreds gathered in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood to remember 26-year-old Gabryel Ayers, who was shot and killed in a Wednesday attack that also left her friend wounded. Mayor Brandon Johnson and community leaders joined the vigil, calling for an end to gun violence and greater investment in schools, jobs, and mental healthcare.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to devastate Chicago communities, with the Auburn Gresham area seeing its share of tragic incidents. The vigil brought together local officials, activists, and grieving residents to mourn Ayers' death and demand substantive action to address the root causes of violence.

The details

Ayers was sitting in the front seat of a vehicle with 27-year-old Devin Draper when they were both shot. Ayers' vehicle then struck an SUV, and she was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Draper was hospitalized in good condition, while Ayers' 1-year-old daughter in the backseat was unharmed. Community members, including Pamela Bosely of the anti-violence group Purpose Over Pain, called for justice and greater efforts to protect children from gun violence.

  • On February 4, 2026, Gabryel Ayers, 26, was shot and killed in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago.
  • The vigil for Ayers was held on February 6, 2026, two days after the shooting.

The players

Gabryel Ayers

A 26-year-old woman who was shot and killed in a Wednesday attack in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Devin Draper

A 27-year-old man who was also shot in the same incident as Ayers but survived and was hospitalized in good condition.

Pamela Bosely

The co-founder of Purpose Over Pain, a South Side organization formed by parents who have lost their children to gun violence.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who attended the vigil and spoke about the need to address the root causes of violence.

Michael Pfleger

The Rev. of St. Sabina Church, a longtime gun violence activist who attended the vigil.

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What they’re saying

“These are our children's lives being shot and killed. If you don't do anything about it, let me tell you, you're going to stand up with us here next. And this is not where you want to be.”

— Pamela Bosely, Co-founder, Purpose Over Pain

“This tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago. There's tragedies like this that remind us of how much more work that we have to do.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

What’s next

Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for anyone with information about the shooters. They urge people to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-535-STOP or send info on www.cpdtip.com. Individuals will remain completely anonymous.

The takeaway

The vigil for Gabryel Ayers highlighted the ongoing struggle against gun violence in Chicago's communities, with leaders and residents demanding more comprehensive solutions beyond just law enforcement, including investments in education, jobs, and mental healthcare to address the root causes of violence.