Shootings follow Chicago fireworks

CHICAGO, July 4 (UPI) -- One man was shot dead and three others wounded in separate incidents as a crowd of more than 1 million people dispersed following Chicago's July 4 fireworks.

The display on the lake front and the Taste of Chicago celebration were held Thursday night on the eve of the holiday.

One victim, Courtney Thomas, 19, was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital after being shot in the head, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Two of the other shootings involved teenage victims. All three of the wounded were treated and released from local hospitals.

Police Officer Amanda Greer said the shootings were believed to be gang-related.

More than 1 million people assembled on the waterfront to watch the fireworks, which ended at 10 p.m. The Taste of Chicago, which was held in Grant Park, closed an hour earlier.

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