Status: 04.07.2022 8:28 p.m
Shots were fired during a US National Day parade in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. According to police, at least six people were killed and many others injured.
At least six people were killed in a gunshot during a US Independence Day parade near Chicago. A police spokesman said 24 people were taken to hospitals after the crime in Highland Park, Illinois. The shooter was initially not caught.
Police described the suspect as a man between the ages of 18 and 20. A weapon was found at the crime scene. A spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office also said it appears the gunman fired from a rooftop.
Several killed by gunfire at a parade in suburban Chicago
Tagesschau 8:00 p.m., July 4th, 2022
Backgrounds still unknown
Mayor Nancy Rotering urged people to avoid downtown. Highland Park’s administration said: “Numerous police officers are deployed and have cordoned off downtown Highland Park.” The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also wrote on Twitter: “Stay out of the area – let the police and first responders do their job.” The background to the crime was initially unknown.
Miles Zaremski, an eyewitness, told CNN that he saw several injured and lifeless people lying on the ground. “It was heartbreaking.” Zaremski said he heard around 30 pops. People fled the parade. “It was just chaotic.”
Mayor Rotering announced that the 4th of July festival had been cancelled. The United States celebrated its Independence Day on Monday.
Several cases of gun violence since the beginning of the year
The US has long struggled with massive levels of gun violence. At the end of May, an 18-year-old gunman massacred a Texas elementary school. He had killed 19 children and 2 teachers in the small town of Uvalde before being shot dead by the police. The bloody deed had rekindled the discussion about stricter gun laws in the USA. Firearms are relatively easy to obtain in the United States.
Congressman Brad Schneider, who wanted to attend the 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!”