When numerous shots were heard shortly after 10:00 local (15:00 GMT), the event in the city of Highland Park was abruptly stopped. Residents have been encouraged to stay at home and call their loved ones to ensure their safety.
24 individuals, according to city officials, were also hospitalized.
According to Christopher Covelli, spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, “We are actively searching for the person accountable for this shooting.”
Police have identified the culprit as a white male, between the ages of 18 and 20, who is “armed and dangerous” and seems to have randomly chosen to shoot paradegoers with a powerful rifle.
Has Any One Been Arrested?
The suspect has however not been caught even as Police were still looking for him more than six hours later, concentrating their search on the parade route, the downtown area, and the central business district with the help of police dogs and drones.
Residents in this location, which the police referred to as an “active crime scene,” were told to stay indoors.
Beaches have been closed off, nearby suburbs are now under lockdown, and regional parades and fireworks displays have been postponed.
Just a few minutes after the parade started (10:15 local time/15:15 GMT), the alleged shooter started firing at it. As part of the city’s Independence Day festivities, floats, marching bands, and other community entertainment were planned for the event.
