At least six people were killed and more than 20 were wounded after a gunman armed with a high-powered rifle opened fire at a parade on US Independence Day in a Chicago suburb on Monday (July 4). As the country tries to control the recent increase in gun violence, this becomes the latest in a series of shocking mass shootings. The incident happened on a holiday meant to celebrate all things American.
The Highland Park Fourth of July parade was suddenly stopped when shots were fired about 10 minutes after the parade kicked off at 10:00am (local time).
Media reports have mentioned that the bullets struck an unknown number of people, mostly parade-goers. The gunfire sent hundreds of people running for safety.
Police launched a manhunt in the city of Highland Park for the gunman, who was still on the loose.
US-based media outlets reported that a man wearing a “large, yellow, army-style backpack” opened fire at the 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
Immediately after the incident, the police were reportedly telling people: “Everybody disburse, please. It is not safe to be here.”
US Rep. Brad Schneider said his team was gathering information on the shooting. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote that he is in touch with the mayor.
Schneider tweeted: “Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!”
Biden vows to keep fighting gun violence
US President Joe Biden pledged to keep fighting to end the “epidemic” of gun violence in America after today’s incident that has shocked the nation.
Biden said he and his wife Jill were “shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.”
“I’m not going to give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence,” he said.
Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade. My campaign team and I were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. My team and I are safe and secure. We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor.
— Brad Schneider (@Schneider4IL10) July 4, 2022
My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation in Highland Park. State police are on the scene and we have made all state resources available to the community. We will continue working with local officials to help those affected.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) July 4, 2022
I am closely following the news of a shooting at the 4th of July parade in Highland Park. If you are in the area, please stay safe and follow any directions from law enforcement.
— Mike Quigley (@RepMikeQuigley) July 4, 2022
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.
Multiple people were shot at the July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois. I hope this doesn’t become an American holiday tradition. pic.twitter.com/cbaIgnwefH
— Victor Stoddard (@VicStoddard) July 4, 2022
Just arrived in Highland Park. Emergency crews bringing some of the injured here after a shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July parade. This man told me a bullet graced his foot. @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/a2BZjOpXye
— Sandra Torres (@SandraTorresNBC) July 4, 2022
This is a developing story
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