4th of July Parade in Illinois Turns Deadly

On Monday, July 4th, gunfire erupted at a parade in Highland Park Illinois. Reports say six people are dead and at least 16 are injured.

Large crowds gathered in Highland Park to witness and participate in a 4th of July parade. According to the Chicago Sun Times, parade attendees fled the scene at the sound of gunfire, with some seeing bloody bodies on the ground while running for safety.

Highland Park police released a statement saying, “16 people have been transferred to the hospital. 5 individuals are confirmed deceased. This is an active incident.

All individuals are advised to shelter in place.” At the time of this article’s publishing, 31 people have been transferred to the hospital.

Authorities say the gunman was shooting into the crowd from the rooftop of a building overlooking the parade. The gunfire broke out around noon.

Witness interviews at the scene of the crime report hearing over 20 shots ringing through the crowd. When interviewed by Sun-Times, Miles Zaremski said, “I heard 20 to 25 shots, which were in rapid succession. So it couldn’t have been just a handgun or a shotgun.”

Adrienne Drell, another attendee of the parade, told Sun-Times, “There’s panic in the whole town. Everyone is just stunned beyond belief.” She continued, “It was a quiet, peaceful, lovely morning, people were enjoying the parade. Within seconds, to have that peacefulness suddenly ripped apart, it’s scary. You can’t go anywhere, you can’t find peace.”

In the statement released by the police, they noted that the weapon has been obtained but law enforcement officials are still looking for the gunman. “Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park.”

More insights on the parade incidence…

Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Mayor, told residents to stay away from the area of the crime, which took place downtown, while police continue their investigation. Rotering posted on Twitter, “Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please avoid Downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”

Illinois Representative Brand Schider took to Twitter following the shooting. He confirmed that he was at the parade prior to the shooting.

“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 [are] in touch with the Mayor.” He continued, “Hearing of loss of life and other 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 do to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough.”

Police have arrested Robert E. Crimo III as a suspect in the shooting. He was labeled a person of interest by local police forces and the FBI after investigating his presence online and posts prior to the Highland Park Parade. Crimo was arrested by authorities near Lake Forest, Illinois.