BRIDGEPORT, Chicago – The Bridgeport neighborhood is reeling from the tragic loss of 36-year-old Nicholas Pinto, who was fatally shot late Saturday night in a devastating act of violence that has left family, friends, and the wider community heartbroken.
According to the Chicago Police Department, around 11:20 p.m., Nicholas was exiting his car in the 2500 block of South Hillock Avenue when a red SUV pulled up alongside him. Without warning, someone inside the vehicle opened fire, striking Nicholas multiple times. Officers responding to the scene found him lying on the ground near his car, critically wounded.
Nicholas was rushed to Stroger Hospital by emergency responders. Despite the valiant efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead a short time later, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed.
As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been made, and the suspect or suspects remain at large. The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.
The news of Nicholas’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Bridgeport community, where he was known as a kind, hardworking, and deeply loyal friend. Those close to him described Nicholas as someone who lived life with quiet strength and generosity — a man who would go out of his way to help others without hesitation.
Friends and neighbors have already begun to honor Nicholas’s memory, creating a growing memorial near the site of the shooting, filled with candles, flowers, and messages of love and grief.
In a statement shared by his family, they wrote:
“Nicholas had a heart of gold. He loved his family, his friends, and his community fiercely. Our hearts are shattered, and there are no words to express the depth of our loss. We ask for privacy as we grieve and remember the beautiful soul that he was.”
Loved ones remember Nicholas not just for his kindness but also for his humor, his passion for life, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. Whether he was spending time with family, working hard, or simply enjoying the simple things in life, Nicholas carried himself with a rare authenticity that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
The violence that took Nicholas’s life has renewed calls within the community for stronger efforts to combat gun violence and for more resources aimed at keeping neighborhoods safe.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a brief statement following the news, expressing his condolences to Nicholas’s family and condemning the senseless violence:
“We grieve with the loved ones of Nicholas Pinto and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss. The City of Chicago remains committed to addressing the root causes of violence and working toward a safer future for all our communities.”
Funeral and memorial service details are expected to be announced in the coming days as Nicholas’s family finalizes arrangements. Supporters are also organizing a vigil to honor his life and legacy.
Nicholas Pinto’s light was extinguished far too soon, but the impact he made will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His absence leaves an ache in the hearts of many, but his spirit — full of kindness, resilience, and love — will endure.