Even after events that raised concerns with law enforcement, Robert Crimo, Jr., The father of the alleged Highland Park parade shooter Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, stated that he does not feel remorseful for supporting his son in obtaining a FOID card, which enabled him to lawfully acquire firearms. HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) –
As part of a criminal investigation, the authorities are intending to examine any responsibility he may bear in this unfortunate event.
Jr. Crimo described the entire situation as a nightmare, because he was shocked by his son’s beliefs, as he was raised with good morals in his family.
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He said, “I don’t know how to explain it, but right now, I feel like I’m in a terrible dream and it’s numbing. It’s just that. Just meaningless. Feelings. I’m just in a state of emotional turmoil, you know.”
His son, who is currently in custody and stands accused of murdering seven individuals at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade, Crimo Jr. Expressed disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
“As a father, I essentially lost a son,” Crimo Jr. Stated.
He spoke openly for the initial time in a privileged phone conversation with ABC News.
Listen to full interview
Jr. Crimo stated that he did not know his son had purchased at least five high-powered rifles, including two weapons. However, he said that his son was in possession of a handgun, of which he showed him.
He additionally stated that starting from Monday, he and his family have been receiving menacing messages of harm.
Crimo Jr., A 2018 candidate for mayor of Highland Park, said he had talked to his son the night before the shooting.
Crimo Jr. Expressed, “I am utterly astonished. Excellent spirits. Absolutely nothing and the ambiance, the globe, conversing in the backyard, being seated with them, nearly an hour I had spent earlier thirteen hours.” He merely replied, “‘No,'” and my spouse had inquired, “‘Hey, do you possess any arrangements for the fourth?’ Three days prior to the fourth, I believe.”
Crimo Jr. Stated that he is unaware of the reason behind his son’s behaviors.
Crimo Jr. Expressed, “Upon encountering him, that is the question I would like to pose. This type of conclusive deed is a pointless display of aggression, I imply in that location. It is unnecessary.” He further added, “I had absolutely no indication or forewarning that an incident of this nature was imminent.”
However, his son had a reputation with the authorities.
He had a history of attempts, and the police report shows that Bobby’s mother told officers that her son attempted suicide with a machete. In April 2019, the elder Crimo ran to Highland Park for the mayor’s election.
The police recently released a newly-recorded show.
During that period, the father stated that he resided in a different location. Eventually, the children were handed back to the father, who reiterated that he was living elsewhere. The authorities ultimately confiscated a 24-inch Samurai sword and several knives from the room of the young Crimo.
The father minimized the threats his son made in 2019 to harm others, comparing it to a child’s tantrum.
HERE: Redacted Police Report from September 2019 in Highland Park has been made available.
He mentioned that it didn’t alter his perspective regarding his son possessing a firearm, entrusting the decision to the vetting procedure.
Junior Crimo expressed, “He was upset regardless of the situation, behaving like a child having an outburst, in a context where it is understood that he is making threats towards the family.”
After being sponsored by Crimo Jr., Bobby’s firearm owners ID card, which was originally for individuals under the age of 21, was successfully renewed and approved by the Illinois State Police within a short span of three months.
“Admitting his guilt, he clarified that he took full responsibility for the actions without any external influence,” he responded when questioned about any feelings of remorse regarding his support for his son’s FOID card application, following multiple incidents that had alarmed law enforcement.
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He expressed that he does not experience any guilt for aiding his son in acquiring a FOID card since he was complying with the lawful provisions.
Crimo Jr. Stated, “It’s beyond terrible, the way I feel is as terrible. I don’t know if it’s guilt. He went through the legal process, you know.”
He didn’t obtain a FOID card by himself. Crimo III required a sponsor who would guarantee that he posed no threat in order to complete the legal procedure for acquiring a firearm at the age of 19. Nevertheless.
Junior Crimo stated, “They perform background checks. It is necessary to go through the process in order to allow my son to obtain a FOID card. I have filled out the consent form, which is required in Illinois for an individual to go through the process and allow my son to proceed.”
The Illinois State Police are presently conducting an inquiry into Crimo Jr. And his accountability for signing the consent document on behalf of his offspring.
“In this situation,” stated ISP Director Brendan Kelly, “the decision-making process will involve determining what was appropriate and presenting it to the courts.”
Gil Soffer, ABC7 Legal Analyst, expressed, “The father’s decision to approve this application was truly careless since they would need to demonstrate that the son was not underage when he fired the gun, and it will not be a simple task.”
Crimo Jr. Stated, “He was approved before 2021, right? You’re either denied or approved. I’m not exactly sure, but whatever it entails. They conduct background checks. It was a consent form that allowed my son to go through the process. I’m not exactly sure. Denied or approved. And it was approved before 2021,” said Jr. Crimo.
Crimo Jr. Stated that his son bought the firearms independently and officially recorded them under his own name.
WATCH: Could suspected parade shooter’s father face charges?
Meanwhile, the father expressed that he has not ceased to contemplate the victims since the tragic incident.
Junior Crimo expressed, “It’s extremely distressing. Those who do not have their parents? Or a child experiencing the loss of a family member at a parade, I can only envision the pain. My condolences and sympathy are with them. I am truly touched.”
Crimo Jr. Also vehemently denied rumors of his son enduring mistreatment at their residence.
His son had previously shared content on social media, and he did not have any worries. He had not viewed all of them and assumed they were related to his musical pursuits. Furthermore, he was also not troubled.
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Jr. Crimo expressed, “I believe the entire system should be completely changed. I never want to witness something like this again and it’s crucial that we take action. It is truly a horrifying situation. There were young children present – anyone who heard the gunshots, experienced psychological damage, got injured, or lost their lives. It’s devastating for everyone involved, but I deeply care for my son.”
Only a small number of individuals were implicated in the case of the alleged gunman. According to information obtained by ABC7, the police have been summoned to the Crimo residence on multiple occasions for domestic disturbances since 2002, as the local community strives for recovery and reconciliation.
On Thursday evening, Steve Greenberg, the legal representative for the Crimo family, announced that he will no longer be fulfilling that role due to a conflict.
He stated that their new lawyer is George Gomez.
ABC News added to this report.