HIGHLAND PARK — A gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago on Monday. He killed at least six people and wounded 24. Police say hundreds of marchers, parents with strollers and children on bicycles fled in terror. The suspect, who had apparently fired from a concealed spot on a rooftop, remained on the loose hours later as authorities scoured the area. Highland Park Police Commander Chris O’Neill urged people to shelter in place as authorities search for the suspect. Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said at a news conference that the gunman used a high-powered rifle that was recovered at the scene.
President Joe Biden, Governor JB Pritzker (D), gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey (R), US Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and other leaders are reacting to the deadly mass shooting. Here are a list of reactions:
Statement from President Biden on the Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois:
Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.
Full statement below. https://t.co/Hl0wvYuzWQ— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) July 4, 2022
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) July 4, 2022
This is absolutely devastating. Every family should be able to enjoy a Fourth of July parade without fearing gun violence.
My heart is with the Highland Park community and the victims of this senseless tragedy. https://t.co/WzAtlYUSJP
— Tammy Duckworth (@TammyDuckworth) July 4, 2022
To face senseless gun violence while out celebrating Independence Day is nothing short of horrific. The nation’s prayers are with Highland Park today. My office is closely monitoring the situation and will stay in contact with local leaders and law enforcement. https://t.co/ZxZLa7M9Lr
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 4, 2022
In a Facebook video, gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey (R) asked for prayers for victims, law enforcement, and others.
Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade. My campaign team and I were gathering at the start of the parade when shooting started. My team and I are safe and secure. We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor.
— Rep. Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) July 4, 2022
It is particularly heart-wrenching to imagine a celebration of America’s freedom cut short by a deadly rampage.
My heart aches for the people who gathered in Highland Park today with every expectation of celebrating a peaceful holiday with friends, family and neighbors.— Senate President Don Harmon (@DonHarmonIL) July 4, 2022
Our hearts are broken to learn of the tragedy our neighbors have experienced today, a day that should have been filled with celebration. As we wait for updates, we continue to join in prayer for the community of Highland Park, and particularly our first responders on the scene.
— Dan McConchie (@DanMcConchie) July 4, 2022
