CHICAGO (WLS) — Two people were killed in a targeted robbery and shooting in Chinatown Tuesday night, Chicago police and a local alderman said.

The shooting happened around 9:56 p.m. in the 2400 block of South Normal Avenue.

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Officers were responding to gunfire when they found the first victim outside a home with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim was found with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and taken to a hospital, where he later died, police said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Faliang Gao, 32, and Jianru Zheng, 33. Gao was shot several times and Zheng was shot in the back.

Both lived in the apartment building where the shooting took place.

Police believe the shooting may have happened inside a home.

“I heard the sound of the gunshot, then I heard the ambulance and the police car coming here,” said Betty, who lives nearby. – Very terrible.

Some residents did not want to be identified.

One said she heard a woman screaming for help and what appeared to be gunshots.

“I’m cooking at home, at that time I hear a gunshot. I just hear a gunshot, I’m not sure it’s a gunshot. I thought it was fireworks,” she said.

Wade Chan was born and raised in Chinatown and is calling for an increased law enforcement presence in the neighborhood.

“We’re suing. We’re telling our friends, our family to be careful,” Chan said. “I think it’s more frustration that we can’t do anything. The only thing we can do is turn around and watch our backs, literally.”

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Councilwoman Nicole Lee said she spoke with police and the incident appeared to be an armed robbery.

“It’s very upsetting; this is becoming far too normal in this city. And while the statistics are low, it’s not good to know that two people were shot and killed right next to you, a few blocks away,” said Lee. . “I don’t live far from here. I can walk here.”

She warns Chinatown neighbors to be aware of their surroundings.

“What we need to do is continue to work with the police,” Lee said. We must be vigilant as members of the community; we must, if we see something, say something. We no longer have ShotSpotter at this time. Now we rely more on the public to report these crimes.”

Councilor Lee said some surveillance video has been shared with police to help with the investigation.

“We feel a deep sense of pity and sympathy for the family. I think that’s the most important thing,” said Chinatown Chamber of Commerce director Homan Wong. “I think it’s an isolated incident; the police look at him. I think everyone should know that Chinatown remains a safe place.”

No one is in custody and Area 1 detectives are investigating.

“They think it’s targeted, but not necessarily something to fear in the neighborhood. But of course, the Ninth District will be paying special attention to this area in the near future,” Lee said.

Chicago police left hangers in the area asking for information, using characters in Mandarin and Cantonese.

They emphasized that information can be shared anonymously.