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- Shots were fired during a US National Day parade in Highland Park, an affluent suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
- Six people were killed and at least 26 people were injured.
- The police arrested a suspect. Previously, she spoke of a 22-year-old suspected perpetrator.
A spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it appeared the gunman fired indiscriminately from the roof of a commercial building at bystanders. The firearm found was a “powerful rifle”.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office called on Twitter to avoid the Highland Park area.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, the shots were fired about ten minutes after the parade began. Videos on social media show people running screaming or seeking cover.
The mayor of Highland Park asked people to stay away from the city center with around 30,000 inhabitants: “Numerous police officers are on duty and have cordoned off downtown Highland Park.” The July 4th festival has been cancelled. The United States celebrates its Independence Day on Thursday.
Congressman Brad Schneider, who wanted to attend Monday’s parade, wrote on Twitter: “My condolences to the family and loved ones.” He is committed to doing everything “to make our children, our cities and our country safer. Enough is enough!”
US President Joe Biden said he offered the government’s full support to help the Highland Park community.