Suspect in custody in Navy Pier shooting that killed 2

A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to a fatal shooting Tuesday afternoon at Navy Pier that killed two men and led to a lockdown of one of the city's most beloved tourist attractions.

A police spokesperson announced the arrest Thursday afternoon, days after a "disgruntled" ex-employee shot and killed the two victims in a targeted attack. The gunman's identity was known to police, who said he is a former employee of a subcontractor at the pier who was fired Oct. 14.

The investigation is ongoing, the police spokesperson said. Earlier Thursday, police released surveillance photographs that allegedly showed the suspect.

About 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, paramedics were called to a loading dock area of the pier, at 600 E. Grand Ave., where they found the bodies of Lamont Johnson, 51, of suburban Lansing, and Peter Jennings, 47, of the North Park neighborhood, lying on the ground surrounded by bullet casings. Both victims worked for Chicago-based hospitality company Levy.

Jennings and Johnson both died of gunshot wounds to their heads, autopsies by the Cook County medical examiner's office concluded.

Both men were described as being "good guys" by their friends and family.

Johnson had worked at Navy Pier for more than a decade, according to his aunt Candy Johnson, and had built a good life.

“He took care of his mother, he took care of his children, he was a family man,” Johnson’s aunt said. “He was a caring person, a giving person. When he walked into a room, he always had a smile on his face ... come to think of it, I never saw him angry.”

Jennings was always "happy and optimistic," his friend Shelton Hull told the Sun-Times.

"He just loved his family, riding his bike, being with friends and doing his work," said Hull. "He was never out making risky decisions. He was a family man."

Hull met Jennings over 25 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, where they both lived. Hull said he was shocked to hear of the shooting.

"He and his family are beloved here in Florida," said Hull. "I hadn't spoke to him in a while. You never think that every time you speak to someone it might be the last time. This really brought that home."