Six people were killed and 31 injured in a shooting at the Highland Park parade on July 4th.
Around 6:30 p.M., Robert “Bobby” E. Crimo, III was apprehended and recognized as a person of concern in the gunfire incident. Authorities stated that the shooting seemed to be arbitrary.
The car was halted at the intersection of Westleigh Road and 41 in Lake Forest following a short chase. According to the authorities, Crimo was observed by a North Chicago police officer at the junction of Route 41 and Buckley Road.
Crimo was apprehended without any trouble. He will be transported to the Highland Park Police Department for interrogation.
According to the police, Crimo has connections to Rockford, DeKalb, and Elgin.
According to a video reported by ABC News, cartoon characters are being targeted by gunfire. Law enforcement sources have verified that Crimo’s posts on social media are being included in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities stated that the assailant utilized a high-caliber rifle from a vantage point on a tall structure.
VIDEO: People flee as shots fired at Highland Park parade
The parade was stopped after approximately 10 minutes when shots were fired at 10 a.M., Endangering hundreds of runners.
The procession path was close to Central Avenue and Second Street.
Several observers stated that they heard numerous gunshots discharged. One observer mentioned that he tallied over 20 shots.
WATCH: Suburban parade shooting witnesses describe fleeing from gunfire, hiding children
Alexander, a witness, exclaimed, “Whoever was the shooter… There was no target… There were a few people shot on the ground when I went back. It was absolutely terrible. I couldn’t bear it and I tried to break the glass to get inside with my son. I ran towards one of the buildings. As I started running, I picked up my son. Then, I started running again, but I thought it was the navy saluting the flag with rifles.”
The ATF told us that they will inform us about a lot where the firearm was purchased when and where it was purchased by the purchaser. It is urgent to trace the original purchaser of the firearm, and the gun was recovered at the scene by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
People in the vicinity were advised to stay indoors and stay vigilant and composed. Certain compulsory evacuations were being carried out.
Alexander expressed, “When you experience a car accident, it can be incredibly traumatic. You should always be cautious and aware that you no longer want to take your children to crowded gatherings because it may not be safe anymore.”
WATCH: Highland Park shooting witness captures gunshots on video
A center for family reunification was established at the police station in Highland Park, which is situated at 1677 Old Deerfield Road.
If anyone has a video of the occurrence, please contact the authorities.
WATCH | ‘Bodies were blown up by AR-15s’: Dr. David Baum describes parade shooting
A scene of crime was established throughout the central business district and up the set perimeter, from Elm Place to St. Johns Avenue, to Laurel Avenue, and finally to Green Bay Road.
There was a substantial police presence near McDaniels Avenue and Deerfield Road, as well.
The injured individuals were transported to Highland Park Hospital for treatment as they were in critical-to-serious condition, according to a spokesperson from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The overwhelming majority experienced gunshot injuries, while the rest sustained injuries due to the “subsequent turmoil,” as stated by hospital authorities.
The Coroner’s Office in Lake County reported that an individual passed away in a medical facility and five grown-ups lost their lives on-site. Among the wounded was at least one minor.
The staff at Highland Park hospital stated that they received patients varying in age from 8 to 85 years old.
The police were instructing individuals, “Everyone scatter, please. It is not secure to remain in this location.”
WATCH: Video shows people fleeing gunfire at Highland Park parade
Observers were swift to bind tourniquets, which aided medical professionals.
Parade-goers left behind baby strollers and blankets as they fled the parade route, not knowing what had just happened.
One witness said “it looked like a war zone,” and he was almost trampled in the stampede after the shots were fired.
“This should not occur in our nation,” Paul Chesler stated.
WATCH: Witness describes Highland Park shooting as ‘war zone’
Armani Garcia stated, “The parade was ongoing when everything happened. They never made it across. I will have the girls cross over. She was going to come sit next to us, she was in front of her brothers. I just wanted her to be safe. She was scared, so along the way, she lost her shoe. We went to the nearest McDonald’s, and I ran with her. I was thinking about getting my daughter to safety.”
Donald Johnson concealed himself in a gas station for a period of three hours.
He exclaimed, “The mothers finally got their seven or six crying children out, as the bus wheels sang and settled down, going round and round.”
State Senator Julie Morrison stated that she was approximately one block from the gunfire.
Morrison stated, “as people of all ages started running towards us, frantically carrying their children, in a state of hysteria, crying and screaming. Suddenly, we were engulfed in a wave of fireworks, and for a moment, I mistakenly believed that I heard gunshots.”
After the shooting incident, law enforcement officers patrolled the vicinity carrying rifles.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider said he and his campaign team were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting began.
“I am committed to doing everything I can to make our nation, our towns, and our children safer. My prayers are with the injured and my community, as well as others who have experienced loss of life. He stated, “My team and I are dedicated to ensuring security and safety.”
A lady who was at the procession with her family stated that her closest friend’s sibling was among those injured.
She expressed, “Individuals yelling and fleeing, it was truly distressing and frightening.” “Ensuring the well-being of my daughter was my sole focus. I sprinted alongside her. We headed towards the closest McDonald’s. While on the way, my daughter misplaced her shoe. She was frightened. My utmost desire is for her to remain secure.”
Ariel Rotbol was marching in the procession alongside a state delegate when she heard the sound of gunfire.
Rotbol exclaimed, “It resembled a scene of war. The atmosphere was filled with hysteria as people hurriedly arrived. We witnessed Homeland Security, cars, and a helicopter. However, Park Highland was not involved in this incident. It is difficult to comprehend, and I can’t help but wonder what is happening today. Obviously, nobody else seems to have any thoughts on this matter.”
Lake Shore Country Club was also under lockdown.
Highland Park officials announced the cancellation of the city’s Fourth Fest.
I will closely monitor and learn more about the lives of those who have been lost and pray for the hospital community. Members of the community should follow the guidance of leadership on the ground, and I will assist in the urgent search for the shooter, providing full support from the Federal government. I have spoken to Mayor Rotering and Governor Pritzker, offering the full support of the Federal government to their communities. We are always grateful for the first responders on the scene. As we celebrate Independence Day, I am shocked and saddened by this senseless gun violence that has once again brought grief to an American community. President Biden released a statement on the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened by this tragic event.”
I recently signed the first major bipartisan gun reform legislation in almost thirty years. This law includes actions that will save lives. I am not going to give up on fighting the gun violence epidemic, and there is much more work to do.
The cancellation of Family Days at Jewett Park in Deerfield was unfortunate.
After the incident, Evanston decided to cancel its parade and fireworks, as well as shut down its beaches.
WATCH: State Sen. Julie Morrison describes shooting scene
Skokie authorities stated that they will make a determination later today regarding the fireworks scheduled for this evening at Niles West High School. The Skokie community mourns alongside our neighbors in Highland Park. As a result of the shooting occurrence at the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade, the Skokie Fourth of July Parade for today has been called off as a precautionary measure.
“We will continue to collaborate with local officials to assist those impacted. The state has mobilized all available resources to support the community, and law enforcement is actively present at the scene. Governor Pritzker JB tweeted that both I and my staff are closely monitoring the situation in Highland Park.”
In a complete statement, he stated: .
In our nation, the horror of widespread gun violence will not be halted by prayers alone, and the victims will not be resurrected by sorrow. Alongside you, MK and I mourn, as does our state. There are no words I can offer to alleviate the anguish of those left behind. Their aspirations, desires, and futures are stolen by a malevolence that defies description. A festive occasion celebrated by families with children was disrupted by a monstrous individual who patiently waits and shoots into a crowd. Please keep our first responders in your prayers, as they tirelessly strive to apprehend the suspect and undoubtedly saved innocent lives on the scene through their bravery. Pray for those who have been wounded and for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for the families who have been devastated by the wickedness unleashed this morning in Highland Park. Today, I urge all residents of Illinois to engage in prayer.
“During a later press conference, he expressed his sorrow that a commemoration of America was torn asunder by our distinctively American epidemic.”
WATCH: Witnesses describe scene of deadly shooting
Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago issued the subsequent statement regarding the shooting:
We cannot truly be free unless we are brave and relentless. We must continue to move towards our goal with deliberate speed, and it must be done, it can be done. Without a federal effort to take war weapons out of the hands of civilians, we are all vulnerable and none of us are immune, whether it be in Highland Park, Buffalo Grove, Uvalde, Garfield Park, West Englewood, or Back of the Yards. Gun violence does not respect socioeconomic differences or geographic boundaries, it affects all of us, our families, our communities, and the victims in prayer. We must continue to lift this up. My heart aches for the people of Highland Park. In the wake of today’s unspeakable tragedy, I hope this provides a bit of solace to those who are deeply grieving tonight. Thanks to the heroic law enforcement efforts, the person of interest in the horrific mass shooting in Highland Park is now in custody.
The parade in Morton Grove was also canceled.
The news of a shooting at Park Highland earlier today has led to the cancellation of all remaining July 4th activities in our village, including the mile-long bike parade and the fireworks show that were scheduled to take place with our neighbors from Park Highland.
We encourage you to report and call 911 if you know any information regarding the shooter and we are working hard to bring them into custody. The entire Highland Park community, as well as the families of the injured and deceased, are grieving. We have been in contact with Mayor Rotering and have offered our support and assistance to the Chicago Police Department. Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a statement, saying that the unfolding tragedy in Highland Park is devastating.
Lake Forest is cancelling the Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks planned at Deerpath Community Park out of an abundance of caution.
“Lake Forest officials expressed their deepest sympathies to our neighbors in Highland Park,” stated The City.
Waukegan called off its fireworks on Monday.
Elected officials react to deadly Highland Park parade shooting
“We stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Illinois Park Highland,” expressed Waukegan officials. “Due to the tragic events in Park Highland, the City of Waukegan has decided to cancel this evening’s fireworks.”
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications in Chicago also issued a statement regarding the incident.
The Emergency Management and Communications Office of Chicago (OEMC) expressed their condolences to the families of the injured and deceased in the entire Highland Community Park. They assured that they have strategically positioned infrastructure assets at predetermined locations to address any emergencies. They also emphasized their commitment to maintaining situational awareness and ensuring the safety of the city of Chicago. Although there are currently no known threats in Chicago, the CPD and OEMC are monitoring the incident that occurred in Highland.
Officials in Arlington Heights have announced that all remaining planned events at Frontier Days, including the night concert, have been called off.
On Monday evening, the Lions Club Festival at Melas Park, including the fireworks display, was cancelled, and Mount Prospect also decided to cancel its Fourth of July parade.
WATCH: Rep. Brad Schneider speaks on Highland Park parade shooting
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Highland Park community following the unfortunate incident that took place earlier today,” local authorities stated.
Toni Preckwinkle, the President of the Cook County Board, issued a statement, stating.
My thoughts continue to be with everyone struggling to comprehend today’s senseless act of gun violence and with those who have lost loved ones and are struggling alongside their families. We must focus on implementing common-sense gun laws and stemming the flow of illegal guns. We must extend our overall support and resources to the people of Highland Park and continue to monitor the situation. We are standing by to support our neighbors to the north and law enforcement in any way possible, as the situation remains fluid. The tragic mass shooting that occurred during their July 4th parade earlier today has brought the Highland Park community and Cook County together in solidarity with Lake County.
Buffalo Grove has made the decision to cancel its Fourth of July events, which consist of the performance by the Symphonic Band and the showcase of fireworks.
After the shooting, the North Shore Congregation Israel issued the subsequent statement.
Our hearts are broken for those who have been wounded and murdered at the senseless and sickening shooting at Highland Park on the 4th of July parade today. We mourn for all of their loved ones and our thoughts and prayers are with the police and first responders at the scene, as well as our friends, neighbors, and entire community. Once again, innocent lives have been lost and senseless violence has wreaked havoc in our own home, congregation, neighborhood, and community. We join with all good-hearted people in our heartbreak over such senseless loss and violence. This affects each and every one of us personally and deeply, causing fear, pain, and grief. We will remain in close contact with law enforcement as our own crisis team. Once the shooter is apprehended, we will plan to convene communally for healing and solace. Once details are available, we will post them on our website and email them out. In the meantime, we are here to support you. If you would like to talk, please email Rabbi Goldstein, Cantor Greene, or Rabbi Geffen. We pray that one day there will be peace in the world and swift justice and healing for the wounded amidst such destruction. We somehow find comfort in the midst of this tragedy, praying that loved ones will find solace. We pray for the memories of the victims to be a blessing. We pray that one day there will be peace in the world and swift justice and healing for the wounded amidst such destruction.
Libertyville and Itasca have called off their fireworks display for Monday evening.
Elk Grove Village called off its concert and fireworks show.
WATCH: Residents speak outside Highland Park reunification center
Rolling Meadows has decided to cancel its fireworks display.
Glenview decided to cancel its parade and fireworks.
Winnetka called off its fireworks display.
The parade in Park Forest was canceled.
Oak Park decided to cancel their fireworks, while Mundelein opted to cancel all activities for the Fourth of July.
The Fourth of July fireworks shows in Lombard, Downers Grove, and Woodridge have been cancelled.
Six Flags has called off their fireworks display.
The White Sox of Chicago said that their postgame fireworks celebration has been canceled. A moment of silence will be held before the start of the game.
The Chicago Bulls released a statement on Twitter regarding the shooting.
Highland Park had several Independence Day events planned for Monday.
WATCH: Gov. JB Pritzker speaks on Highland Park shooting
The Illinois State Police were also present at the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has received a briefing. Officials from Homeland Security are collecting additional information.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact 1-800-call-FBI or submit online at tips.Fbi.Gov.
The city announced that tomorrow, counseling experts will be accessible at Highland Park High School from 9:00 a.M. To 2:00 p.M., Providing assistance to students, staff, and community members.
Sachs, an observer, stated, “It’s repulsive, and simply being aware that this is an event that they observed that they will have to digest and endure, reflecting on witnessing all of my pupils at the procession, today.”
Sun-Times Media provided assistance in producing this report.