A parent was fatally shot Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills during a junior high boys basketball tournament.

The tragic event occurred around 1:10 p.m., as confirmed by a statement from Country Club Hills police.

According to investigators, multiple gunmen were “laying in wait” in a “completely tinted” black sedan parked in the school’s back lot.

As the victim exited the school with his child, the assailants drove up, blocking their path to the vehicle. In a brazen act of violence, the gunmen exited their car with weapons drawn and opened fire on the victim.

According to a report, following the shooting, the assailants fled the scene through the parking lot, heading toward Pulaski Road. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet released his identity.

The Prairie-Hills Junior High boys basketball team was participating in the tournament during this “targeted dispute,” as stated by Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144. The victim, who was a parent from a neighboring community, has drawn condolences from local officials.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event,” said Bremen High School District 228, which oversees Hillcrest High School.

In response to the tragedy, both school districts have announced plans to provide counseling and support services to students and staff in need, emphasizing their commitment to helping the community cope with the aftermath of this devastating incident.