Six killed, 24 hospitalized, and manhunt underway after Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park

Highland Police also said around 1 p.m. local time there remains an “active shooter incident” and people in the area were urged to shelter in place. Law enforcement is searching for the suspect, who is a white male approximately 18 to 20 years old with longer black hair, a small build, and wearing a white or blue shirt, Commander Chris O’Neill at the Highland Park Police Department said at a press briefing.

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Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said another 24 people have been hospitalized. Their conditions vary, including some who are in serious condition and others in critical condition, Chris Covelli of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force said in a 2 p.m. update briefing.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this devastating time,” Rotering said during the 1 p.m. news briefing. “On a day that we came together to celebrate community and freedom, we’re instead mourning the tragic loss of life and struggling with the terror that was brought upon us.”

“While we’ve all felt the burden of this terrible act, I want to pause and thank the first responders who ran towards the danger to render aid during this active shooter situation,” the mayor added. “We saw individuals who responded selflessly and put themselves at risk to save others. We’ve had an outpouring of support from federal, state, county, and fellow municipalities, of resources and offers of condolences and concern, and we will avail ourselves of everything that they offer to us immediately.”

The attack appears to be random, according to Covelli. Officials said local, state, and federal authorities are all assisting with the response, including SWAT teams going door to door in the search for the suspect. They are also asking the public for assistance in the manhunt if anyone has information or videos.

Firearm evidence was located at the scene on the rooftop of a local business, according to O’Neill. Covelli identified the gun as a “high-powered rifle.”

Parade-goers could be seen running for safety shortly after the festivities got underway shortly after 10 a.m., and police with rifles were on the scene, apparently looking for the shooter. Paramedics were also spotted. Hundreds if not thousands of people were estimated to be in attendance.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) put out a statement expressing grief for the victims and decrying “rampant gun violence” in the United States.

Three bloodied bodies were seen with blankets covering them, and five other people were wounded and bloodied next to the parade’s viewing stand, a Chicago Sun-Times reporter shared.

“Everybody disburse, please. It is not safe to be here,” police told people in the area, according to local reports.

Witnesses described hearing as many as 25 shots.

Witnesses said the shooter was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s, an outdoor equipment and clothing store, and fired into the parade, according to WGN-TV anchor Dan Ponce.

Highland Park is a city located about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. Other events nearby in the suburbs of Chicago were canceled in the wake of the shooting.

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Alexander Sandoval, a 39-year-old local who was at the parade with his family, said he put his 5-year-old son in a dumpster in an effort to keep him safe during the shooting. As he searched for the rest of his family, Sandoval said he saw blood on the ground, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “I saw a little boy who was shot being carried away,” Sandoval said. “It was just terror.” The report said Sandoval found his partner and stepdaughter safe inside a McDonald’s.

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Rep. Brad Schneider, a Democrat whose district includes Highland Park, tweeted to say he and his campaign team were present at the parade and are safe. He also said he heard about there being deaths, as well as injuries.

“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 shooting started. My team and I are safe and secure. We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor,” Schneider said.

“Hearing of loss of life and others injured,” he added. “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!”