Two Teens Shot Near South Side Chicago High School

Shooting occurred just blocks from planned Obama Presidential Center

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on the ground, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of the crime scene.A violent shooting near a Chicago high school raises concerns about public safety as the Obama Presidential Center development moves forward.Chicago Today

Two 16-year-old students, a boy and a girl, were shot near a South Side Chicago high school on Wednesday afternoon. The boy was critically injured, while the girl suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. The shooting took place just three blocks away from the planned Obama Presidential Center.

Why it matters

Gun violence near schools is a major concern in Chicago, which has struggled with high rates of shootings and homicides in recent years. This incident raises questions about safety in the area as the Obama center development moves forward.

The details

According to police, the two teens were at a bus stop just after 3:20 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Stony Island Avenue, less than a block from Hyde Park Academy High School, when someone approached and opened fire. The boy was shot multiple times and transported to the hospital in critical condition, while the girl was shot in the leg and was in fair condition.

  • The shooting occurred on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 around 3:20 p.m.

The players

Hyde Park Academy High School

A high school located near the site of the shooting incident.

Obama Presidential Center

A planned presidential library and museum development located just three blocks from the shooting site.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply concerned about this incident of gun violence near our school and are working closely with the police to ensure the safety of our students.”

— Chicago Public Schools, Spokesperson

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and search for the perpetrator. The incident raises concerns about safety in the area as the Obama Presidential Center development moves forward.

The takeaway

This shooting near a Chicago high school and the planned Obama center underscores the persistent challenges of gun violence in the city, especially in neighborhoods surrounding major new developments. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to improve public safety and support for at-risk youth.