A gunman opened fire at a Fourth of July parade that was taking place in a Chicago suburb, resulting in the deaths of six people and numerous injuries.
Officials say that the attacker is still on the run and opened fire on Highland Park’s crowd.
Officers searched for the suspect and advised residents to remain inside. He was described as a white male wearing a blue or white T-shirt.
Christopher Covelli, a spokesperson for Lake County Major Crime Task Force, said that he opened fire from a roof using a high-powered rifle.
He said that the police believed there was only one shooter, and that he should therefore be considered dangerous and armed.
Nancy Rotering was the mayor of Highland Park. She stated: “This morning at 10.14, our community has been terrorised by an act de violence that has shaken our core.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the victims during this terrible time.
“On a day when we came together to celebrate freedom and community, we now mourn the tragic loss and struggle with the terror that has been brought upon us.”
According to The Chicago Sun-Times the parade was stopped just after 10 minutes, when shots were fired.
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Witnesses told the newspaper that they heard gunfire, and that hundreds of parade-goers fled the route, some with blood on their faces.
Sun-Times reporter saw three bodies covered in blankets.
Debbie Glickman, a Highland Park resident, said that she was on a parade float when she saw people fleeing from the area.
“People began to say, “There’s a gunman, there’s an a-shooter, there’s one”
“So, we just ran. We ran. It’s almost like there is mass chaos.”
J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Governor, stated in a statement that there are no words to describe the monster who waits in silence
Fires are transformed into a crowd of children and families celebrating a holiday together with their community.”
Brad Schneider, a Congressman, was there and tweeted: “My condolences for the family and loved one; my prayers for those injured and for my community; and I promise to do all that I can to make our kids, our communities, and our country safer. It’s enough!
In a statement, President Joe Biden stated that he was shocked by the senseless gun violence that had once again caused grief in an American community on Independence Day.
“I signed the first major bipartisan gun legislation in nearly thirty years into law. It includes actions that will save people’s lives.
“But there’s still much to be done, and I’m determined to fight the epidemic of gun violence.”
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