Sixteen people were shot and at least five people were killed Monday morning in a shooting during the Highland Park Independence Day parade, officials confirmed, urging residents to continue to “shelter in place “while the shooter is still on the run.
The shooting happened just after 10 a.m. in downtown Highland Park, according to reports. A large police presence from the state and neighboring departments in suburban Chicago was seen along the parade route.
“Highland Park Police are responding to an active shooter incident that occurred in downtown Highland Park during the 4th of July Parade,” the City of Highland Park wrote in a statement. “This is an active incident. All people are urged to shelter in place. Law enforcement is looking for the suspect; evidence of a firearm has been recovered. Multiple law enforcement officers Officers responded and secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park. 16 of the people were transferred to hospital; 5 people died.”
Independence Day parades and events in the northern suburbs were canceled after the shooting.
“Due to a tragic mass shooting that took place earlier this morning in Highland Park, the Town of Evanston will be canceling this year’s 4th of July parade and celebrations effective immediately.”
Larry Bloom, who was in the area when the shooting began, said at first onlookers thought the “pop” sound was part of the parade.
“You heard like a ‘pop, pop, pop’ and I think everyone thought maybe it was a display on one of the tanks and then it opened up,” Bloom said.
“I was screaming and people were screaming,” Bloom said. “They were freaking out and they were scattering and I, you know, we didn’t know that. You know, it was right above us.”
The public is urged to avoid downtown Highland Park as police continue to respond to the shooting “in the area of the Independence Day Parade route,” the Lake County Sheriff said on Twitter.
“STAY OUT OF THE AREA – allow law enforcement and first responders to do their job,” the sheriff said.
“Illinois State Police are currently assisting Highland Park PD with an active shooting situation that occurred during the Highland Park Parade,” police tweeted. “The public is advised to avoid the area of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Highland Park.”
This is breaking news. Check back as details emerge.
