Four Killed in Early Morning Shooting on CTA Blue Line Train in Forest Park

Four individuals were fatally shot on a CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park early Monday morning, marking a tragic start to Labor Day.

According to Deputy Chief Christopher Chin of the Forest Park Police, the victims were all passengers on the Blue Line train heading into the Forest Park terminal when the shooting occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, police discovered three victims deceased at the scene. A fourth individual was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. As of 11:15 a.m., the identities, including the ages and genders of the victims, had not yet been released.

Chin indicated that the shooting appears to be an isolated event with no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators believe there was a single shooter involved.

Police reports suggest that the shooter did not have any known connection to the victims, who are believed to have been homeless individuals riding the train. The incident does not appear to have been motivated by robbery, and authorities have described the attack as entirely random.

“This is truly shocking,” Chin said. “Mass shootings like this are rare here, and to be investigating one on a holiday, it’s particularly unsettling. People have every right to feel uneasy—it’s a tragic situation. On a holiday morning like Labor Day, when families should be enjoying their time together, this is the last thing anyone would expect to deal with.”

The suspected shooter was apprehended later that morning on a CTA Pink Line train, thanks to surveillance footage that proved instrumental in the investigation. A firearm was also recovered.

“Surveillance footage plays a crucial role in many of our cases, and it was especially vital in this one,” Chin added.

In response to the incident, Blue Line service between Forest Park and Austin has been temporarily suspended. Shuttle buses will be provided, and CTA trains will continue to operate between O’Hare and Austin.

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “It’s a terrible tragedy that four lives were lost on Labor Day weekend.”

The CTA issued a statement condemning the violence:
“While this was an isolated incident, such a heinous act of violence should never occur, especially on public transit. Upon learning of the situation, CTA immediately provided resources to assist the Forest Park Police in their investigation, including reviewing security camera footage, which played a key role in aiding law enforcement. We commend the Forest Park Police Department for their diligent efforts and the Chicago Police Department for their swift action in apprehending a suspect. CTA will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement as the investigation progresses.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Forest Park Police Department at 708-366-2425 or via email at [email protected].