Highland Park shooting - live: Robert Crimo arrested after rifle DNA test as victims identified

At least six people have been killed and 30 injured in a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Illinois, with the gunman still at large several hours on from the attack.

Police named Robert E Crimo, 22, as a person of interest in the shooting and took him into custody after an hours-long manhunt around Highland Park.

A gunman on a rooftop opened fire during a 4 July parade in the Chicago suburb, sending hundreds of marchers, parents with strollers and children on bicycle fleeing in terror, said the police.

While “several of the deceased victims” died at the scene, one succumbed to the injuries in the hospital, according to the authorities.

One of those killed was a Mexican national Roberto Velasco, Mexico’s director for North American affairs said on Twitter. He added that two other Mexicans were wounded in the incident.

About 26 of those wounded, aged between 8 to 85 were sent to the NorthShore University Health Centre. All but one had gunshot wounds, said the hospital’s medical director of emergency preparedness, Dr Brigham Temple.

Key Points

• Death toll rises to six victims as dozens more wounded

• Police traced Robert Crimo after rapid testing DNA on rifle

• First victim identified as grandfather

• Second victim identified as a synagogue teacher

• Robert Crimo arrested as person of interest in Highland Park shooting

• Biden 'shocked’ by shooting

Highland Park police traced Robert Crimo after rapid testing DNA on rifle found at scene

12:09 , Johanna Chisholm

The man arrested as a person of interest in the Highland Park shooting on the 4 July holiday was reportedly traced by authorities who took a sample of DNA from the rifle found at the scene, NBC 5 reports.

On Monday evening, Robert Crimo was taken into police custody after an hours-long manhunt around the Chicago suburb where a mass shooting left at least six dead and 30 injured.

According to NBC 5 Chicago, Crimo’s identity was first made known to authorities because of the DNA collected from the rifle uncovered at the scene.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an urgent trace of the rifle, agency spokesperson April Langwell told the Associated Press on Monday. Federal agents conduct such traces to identify when, where and to whom the gun was last sold.

NBC 5 later confirmed that this rapid tracing was how the authorities narrowed down Crimo as a person of interest in the case.

Read more from The Independent below:

Highland Park police traced Robert Crimo after rapid testing DNA on rifle

Video: Marching band abruptly stops as people begin fleeing from the streets

11:50 , Johanna Chisholm

Like something out of a horror film, a video captured by Lynn Sweet, a columnist and Washington Bureau Chief at the Chicago Sun-Times, shows the slow unravelling of the moment parade-goers at a 4 July march begin to realise that a gunman has opened fire on hundreds of unsuspecting people.

The video shows a marching band sitting on the back of a float playing an upbeat song, which slowly begins to trail off as you start to see people from outside the frame running for safety from an out of sight threat.

Parents are seen hurriedly pushing their children in strollers away while some members of the band continue playing, seemingly unaware of the threat that is slowly beginning to make itself known as more people run by.

Watch the full clip below:

Nephew of 4 July victim says aunt was ‘one of the kindest people’

11:40 , Johanna Chisholm

The victims of the 4 July shooting in Highland Park are slowly beginning to be identified, with officials so far stating that at least six people died while another couple dozen sustained injuries in the mass shooting that sent hundreds running for their lives on a sunny holiday Monday.

One of the victims was identified as Jacki Sundheim, a teacher at the North Shore Congregation Israel in Highland Park and who leaves behind a husband and daughter. Her death was confirmed by an email sent out to congregants by the synagogue on Monday night, and later on social media where relatives began writing posts to commemorate a woman described as being “one of the kindest” you’d ever have the chance of meeting.

Her nephew, Luke Sundheim, wrote late on Monday night about how he’d received a call that he hopes no one else has the misfortune of receiving.

“If you know me you know that the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Today as my family was enjoying the Winnetka 4th of July parade I got a phone call that I hope none of you ever receive. My aunt Jacki was senselessly gunned down watching a parade that’s she’s been to her entire life just two towns north,” Mr Sundheim wrote on Facebook, noting that his aunt left behind a daughter and husband who she shared “endless love” for.

“If you knew Jacki you’d know that she was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet and she went out of her way to help anyone,” he wrote. “The world lost a truly special person and I’m both furious and incredibly sad that I won’t be able to spend any more time with her. I love America, but this can not keep happening to innocent loving people.”

Photo shows moment Robert Crimo apprehended by police

11:30 , Johanna Chisholm

Authorities said a man named as a person of interest in the shooting was taken into police custody yesterday evening after an hours-long manhunt around Highland Park.

Highland Park police chief Lou Jogmen said a police officer pulled over Robert E Crimo about five miles north of the shooting scene, several hours after authorities released the man’s photo and an image of his silver Honda Fit and warned the public that he was likely armed and dangerous.

Chicago’s WGN TV News correspondent Brónagh Tumulty shared a photo on Twitter, which shows the moment that Crimo was arrested by officers on Hwy 41, after he was reportedly spotted by a North Chicago officer.

Crowds flee from 4 July fireworks after two police officers shot

11:10 , Johanna Chisholm

Two police officers were shot on Monday night in Philadelphia as thousands of people gathered for the city’s 4 July festivities.

Videos from the incident showed crowds of people who had gathered for a concert and fireworks scattering in panic as a gunman fired shots.

“There is a security incident on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” emergency authorities said, while police instructed people in surrounding buildings to shelter in place.

One of the officers, identified as a 36-year-old who was assigned to highway patrol, received a graze wound to the forehead. He has been in service for 14 years.

My colleague Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has more:

Crowds flee from 4 July fireworks in Philadelphia after police officers shot

Video captures panic as gunman opens fire on 4 July parade

10:58 , Johanna Chisholm

A video, which was among the first from the incident to go viral, captured the panic and chaos that unfolded during the parade as shots rang out.

Appearing to be captured from the mobile phone of a teenage reveller, the video began by showing families sitting on the curb, watching a marching band go past.

But suddenly the band members broke into a run and sprinted off in the direction of the parade route as watchers started to leap up from the ground.

The video footage then appeared to show the face of the teenage boy who was running in terror. He said: “Oh my god those are gunshots. I can’t believe I have to record that.”

Watch the full video at the link below:

Video captures panic as gunman opens fire on 4 July parade

Gov Pritzker: ‘There is no better day and no better time’ to talk about guns

10:45 , Johanna Chisholm

Shortly after a gunman opened fire during a 4 July parade that left at least six dead and 36 injured, Illinois Governor J B Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth spoke at a press conference to address the stunning mass shooting that sent hundreds of parade-goers running for their lives.

The Democratic governor took a moment during his address to speak to the country’s ongoing gun control debate, noting that some people might try and say that now is not the time to discuss the policies that could potentially prevent mass shootings of this nature.

“If you’re angry today, I’m here to tell you: be angry. I’m furious,” the governor began. “I’m furious that yet more lives were taken by gun violence. I’m furious that their loved ones are forever broken.”

“I’m furious because it does not have to be this way,” he said, underscoring that while the holiday that revellers were celebrating on Monday, the 4 July, occurs but once a year, the horrific toll of mass shootings are suffered by communities across the country weekly.

“There are going to be people who say that today is not the day. That now is not the time. To talk about guns. I’m telling you, there is no better day and no better time,” said Gov Pritzker.

Watch the full clip below:

America has seen more than 300 mass shootings in the first half of this year

10:20 , Namita Singh

The tragedy in Highland Park is the 15th mass killing of 2022 and the 11th mass shooting of the holiday weekend, according to the Gun Violence Archive, reports Alex Woodward.

Halfway through the year, there have been at least 309 mass shootings.

The organisation defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are shot or killed. Within the first 185 days of 2022, there have been an average of 11 a week.

There were 692 mass shootings in 2021, according to the archive. In 2020, there were 610, and 417 in 2019.

Read the details in this report:

America has seen more than 300 mass shootings and 15 mass killings this year

Everything we know about Robert Crimo

09:40 , Namita Singh

US police arrested 22-year-old Robert E Crimo after he was named as a person of interest in the mass shooting that left at least six people dead and 36 injured during a 4 July parade in Illinois.

Mr Crimo goes by the nickname Bobby and is an amateur rapper. He had allegedly uploaded a number of videos online, many months before the shooting, filled with violent imagery and depictions of mass murder.

He goes by the stage name “Awake the Rapper” and has more than 16,000 listeners per month on his Spotify page with a net worth of $100,000 ( £82,645).

My colleague Shweta Sharma reporting the details:

Everything we know about Robert Crimo arrested in Highland Park shooting

Everything we know about gunfire at July 4 parade in Illinois

09:20 , Namita Singh

Six people were killed and 36 injured after gunfire erupted at a July 4th parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, according to local reports.

Witnesses reported hearing up to 25 shots fired just after 10am CDT on Monday, which struck several in attendance and sent hundreds of parade-goers — some visibly bloodied — running from the parade route, leaving behind chairs, baby strollers and blankets.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that blankets had been placed over “three bloodied bodies” and up to five others had been wounded in the shooting. The city later confirmed six deaths and two dozen people had been wounded.

Read this joint report by Rachel Sharp and Bevan Hurley for more:

Everything we know about the July 4 parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois

Robert Crimo’s uncle ‘heartbroken’ after his arrest

09:00 , Namita Singh

Robert Crimo’s uncle said he did not see “warning signs” about his nephew turning violent as he expressed his condolences to the families of the Independence Day mass shooting victims.

“I saw no signs of trouble. And if I did see signs I would have said something,” Paul Crimo told Fox 32 Chicago.

Mr Crimo said that he saw his nephew on Sunday but did not notice anything out of the ordinary. He added that he saw nothing that could have triggered him.

Stuti Mishra reporting the details:

Robert Crimo’s uncle says he’s ‘heartbroken’ after nephew arrested for 4 July attack

Rachel Brosnahan and Richard Marx condemn 4 July shooting

08:40 , Namita Singh

Highland Park natives Rachel Brosnahan and Richard Marx have condemned the mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago on Monday, 4 July.

Condemning the shooting, Marx tweeted that he grew up in Highland Park as well and used his social media accounts “to check on the welfare of people I still know there”.

The “Right Here Waiting” singer tweeted: “My heart is always broken by these constant mass shootings no matter where they occur but today I’m extra heartbroken. And extra angry at the senselessness.”

Read the details in this story by my colleague Maanya Sachdeva:

Rachel Brosnahan and Richard Marx who ‘grew up in Highland Park’ condemn shooting

‘I didn’t hear shots but cops told me to run,’ says Philadelphia shooting witness

08:20 , Namita Singh

Gunfire broke out late on Monday near the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the final day of a festival with a large number of people watching a fireworks show after a concert.

“There is a security incident on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” emergency authorities said, referring to the shooting.Police instructed people in surrounding buildings to shelter in place.

“I didn’t hear the shots, but the cops were like, ‘run, run, run,’” one woman told an NBC affiliate.

One officer sustained a graze wound to the head and the other a gunshot wound to the right shoulder, according to NBC10.

Trump-backed Illinois candidate says ‘let’s move on’ just hours after shooting

08:07 , Namita Singh

Hours after a mass shooting at a 4 July parade in Illinois left six people dead and dozens of others injured, state senator Darren Bailey asked Americans to move on and celebrate.

The Republican lawmaker said in a statement: “Let’s move on and celebrate the independence of this nation,” reported The Daily Beast.

“We have got to get corruption and evil out of our government.”

Mr Bailey is being backed by former president Donald Trump in the race for Illinois governor.

My colleague Sravasti Dasgupta reports:

Trump-backed Illinois candidate says ‘let’s move on’ just hours after parade shooting

Philadelphia mayor pleads lawmakers to stop ‘flow of guns’

08:00 , Namita Singh

After the shooting in Philadelphia, city’s mayor Jim Kennedy said his administration was “pleading with lawmakers” to stop the “flow of guns into our city.”

“Our traditions cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of gun violence,” he added.

Shooting near Philadelphia concert, two police officers wounded

07:40 , Namita Singh

Two Philadelphia police officers were shot near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway late on Monday as thousands of people celebrated a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show with the crowd scattering in panic when shots were fired.

The shooting came hours after a gunman on a rooftop opened fire on families waving flags and children riding bikes at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, where six people were killed and over 36 were wounded.

Both officers in Philadelphia were released from hospital after suffering non-life threatening injuries, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said. Police were searching for the shooter.

Another victim identified as teacher at local synagogue

07:17 , Namita Singh

Another victim was Jacki Sundheim, a teacher at a local synagogue in Highland Park. The North Shore Congregation Israel confirmed her death in an email to congregants.

“There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief for Jacki’s death and sympathy for her family and loved ones,” the synagogue said.

‘It sounded like fireworks going off’

06:41 , Namita Singh

A retired doctor standing across the street where the gunman opened fire, said “it sounded like fireworks going off”.

“It was pandemonium,” Richard Kaufman told Reuters, adding that he heard about 200 shots. “People were covered in blood tripping over each other.”

Mexican national among those killed

06:34 , Namita Singh

A Mexican national is one of the victims in the shooting incident, announced Mexico’s director for North American affairs Roberto Velasco said on Twitter.

He said two other Mexicans were wounded.

White Sox, MLB decide to play game after parade shooting

06:19 , Namita Singh

The Chicago White Sox talked to Major League Baseball on Monday about postponing their game against the Minnesota Twins after a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago, killing at least six people.

After the team’s conversation with MLB and contact with local authorities, the game was played as scheduled. The postgame fireworks show was cancelled and a moment of silence was observed before the first pitch of the Twins’ 6-3 victory.

“Our hearts are with the Highland Park community,” the White Sox said in a statement. “The entire Chicago White Sox organization expresses our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the innocent victims of today’s horrific shooting and all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.”

“Something need to change,” White Sox closer Liam Hendriks said. “Something needs to be done, something needs to happen because there’s too many people losing their lives.”

“Unfortunately, it’s almost daily,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said of the shootings. “Way too frequently.

“Even when there’s an explanation, there’s no explanation. It doesn’t make sense.”

‘Sick to my stomach,’ says Rachel Brosnahan

06:09 , Namita Singh

Actress Rachel Brosnahan, who hails from Chicago’s Highland Park, said she felt “sick to my stomach” following news of the mass shooting in her hometown.

“I grew up in Highland Park and this parade is a highlight of the year for so many families,” she tweeted. “I’m sick to my stomach every time news like this comes out, but I don’t wish the pit in your stomach as you call your family and friends to make sure everyone is okay on anyone. No words.”

Robert E Crimo: The person of interest in Illinois shooting

06:08 , Namita Singh

Authorities said a man named as a person of interest in the shooting was taken into police custody yesterday evening after an hours-long manhunt around Highland Park.

Highland Park police chief Lou Jogmen said a police officer pulled over Robert E Crimo about five miles north of the shooting scene, several hours after authorities released the man’s photo and an image of his silver Honda Fit and warned the public that he was likely armed and dangerous.

The police declined to immediately identify him as a suspect but said identifying him as a person of interest and sharing his name and other information publicly was a serious step.

Mr Crimo, who goes by the name Bobby, is an aspiring rapper with the stage name Awake the Rapper, posting on social media dozens videos and songs, some ominous and violent.

In one animated video now taken down by YouTube, he raps about armies “walking in darkness” as a drawing appears of a man pointing a rifle, a body on the ground and another figure with hands up in the distance. A later frame shows a close-up of a chest with blood pouring out and another of police cars arriving as the shooter holds his hands up.

In another video, in which he appears in a classroom wearing a black bicycle helmet, he says he is “like a sleepwalker. I know what I have to do,” then adds, “everything has led up to this. Nothing can stop me, even myself.”

His father, Bob, a longtime deli owner, ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Highland Park in 2019, calling himself “a person for the people.”

Cities cancel events in aftermath of shooting

05:54 , Namita Singh

Several nearby cities cancelled events, including parades and fireworks in the aftermath of the Highland Park shooting. The Chicago White Sox announced on Twitter that a planned post-game fireworks show is cancelled due to yesterday’s gun violence.

Glencoe officials said the village was canceling its Fourth of July parade as they urged the residents to “remain home” with the “threat still at large.”

“There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glencoe. Public Safety are monitoring the situation and recommend avoiding public and crowded areas at this time,” the village tweeted.

In a nearby Deerfield, Families Days activities at Jewett Park was cleared and parade cancelled, the authorities announced on Twitter.

The police believe there was only one shooter at Highland Park. Since the incident, they have detained a man named Robert E Crimo, identifying him as a person of interest.

President ‘shocked by the senseless gun violence’

05:40 , Namita Singh

President Joe Biden on Monday said he and first lady Jill Biden were “shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.”

Mr Biden signed the widest-ranging gun violence bill passed by Congress in decades, a compromise that showed at once both progress on a long-intractable issue and the deep-seated partisan divide that persists.

My colleague Andrew Feinberg reports:

Biden ‘shocked’ by Highland Park shooting at July 4 parade

‘Furious’ Illinois governor lashes out after the mass shooting

05:27 , Namita Singh

Illinois governor JB Pritzker slammed the American “tradition” of poor gun control after the Highland Park shooting on the fourth of July that devastated a “celebration of America”.

“It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague,” Mr Pritzker said at a news conference.

“I’m furious because it does not have to be this way... while we celebrate the Fourth of July just once a year, mass shootings have become a weekly — yes, weekly — American tradition.”

A trail of abandoned items

05:13 , Namita Singh

The Monday shooting at Parkland High occurred at a spot on the parade route where many residents had staked out prime viewing points early in the day for the annual celebration.

Dozens of fired bullets sent hundreds of parade-goers — some visibly bloodied — fleeing.

They left a trail of abandoned items that showed everyday life suddenly, violently disrupted: A half-eaten bag of potato chips; a box of chocolate cookies spilled onto the grass; a child’s Chicago Cubs cap.

‘There’s no safe space’

05:11 , Namita Singh

The July 4 shooting was just the latest to shatter the rituals of American life. With schools, churches, grocery stores and community parades becoming killing grounds in recent months, the bloodshed came this time as the nation tried to find cause to celebrate its founding.

“There’s no safe place,” said Highland Park resident Barbara Harte, 73, who had stayed away from the parade fearing a mass shooting, but later ventured from her home.

“It definitely hits a lot harder when it’s not only your hometown but it’s also right in front of you,” resident Ron Tuazon said as he and a friend returned to the parade route Monday evening to retrieve chairs, blankets and a child’s bike that he and his family abandoned when the shooting began.

“It’s commonplace now,” Mr Tuazon said of what he called yet another American atrocity. “We don’t blink anymore. Until laws change, it’s going to be more of the same.”

Man named 'person of interest' taken into custody

05:01 , Namita Singh

Authorities said a man named as a person in the shooting was taken into police custody Monday evening after an hours-long manhunt around Highland Park.

Highland Park police chief Lou Jogmen said a police officer pulled over Robert E Crimo about five miles north of the shooting scene, several hours after police released the man’s photo and an image of his silver Honda Fit, and warned the public that he was likely armed and dangerous.

Authorities initially said he was 22, but an FBI bulletin and Mr Crimo’s social media said he was 21.

Police declined to immediately identify him as a suspect but said identifying him as a person of interest, sharing his name and other information publicly was a serious step.

Over 30 injured in the July 4 shooting

04:43 , Namita Singh

Up to 30 people have been injured in the shooting during the Independence Day parade in Illinois, Chicago.NorthShore University Health Center received 26 patients after the incident.

All but one has gunshot wounds, said the medical director of emergency preparedness, Dr Brigham Temple.

Their age ranged from 8 to 85, with Dr Temple estimating that four or five patients were children.

About 19 of the victims were treated and discharged, the doctor said.

Others were transferred to other hospitals, while two patients, in stable condition, remained at the Highland Park hospital.

Biden says there is ‘much more work to do’ on gun reform

04:00 , Rachel Sharp

President Joe Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden were “shocked” by the mass shooting which tore through an Independence Day parade in Highland Park on Monday, calling it another example of “senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community”.

In a statement, Mr Biden said he and Ms Biden were “grateful” for the efforts of law enforcement officials who’d responded to the bloody scene.

He said that he had offered Illinois Governor JB Prizker and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering the “full support of the federal government,” including a surge of law enforcement officers to assist in the ongoing hunt for the suspected shooter.

The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg has the full story:

Biden ‘shocked’ by Highland Park shooting at July 4 parade

Map of the scene of the mass shooting

03:30 , Rachel Sharp

The mass shooting unfolded in Highland Park, a suburban Illinois city around 25 miles north of Chicago.

Here is a map of the location:

Mass shooting comes just weeks after massacres in Uvalde and Buffalo

03:00 , Rachel Sharp

Monday’s massacre marks just the latest in a growing number of mass shootings to tear apart a community in the US as pressure continues to mount on lawmakers to introduce significant gun reform laws.

Less than two months ago, 10 Black people were shot and killed in a mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, on 14 May.

The attack was carried out by an 18-year-old self-proclaimed white supremacist with a legally purchased AR-15.

Ten days after that, 19 young students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, when another 18-year-old male entered Robb Elementary School with an AR-15 and opened fire.

The identity of the July 4 mass shooting in Illinois is currently unknown but has been described as a white male aged 18 to 20 years old.

Police have recovered a rifle from the scene.

NRA celebrates firearms in July 4 tweet as six killed in Illinois

02:30 , Rachel Sharp

The NRA commemorated July 4 with a tweet celebrating guns – on the same day that six people were killed and dozens more hospitalised in a mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois.

“Happy 4th of July, America! We are a country because of brave souls with guns who valued and fought for liberty and freedom,” the gun lobby group posted.

Harrowing image shows young children sheltering in place

02:00 , Rachel Sharp

A harrowing photo shows small children dressed up for Independence Day sheltering in a basement of a business to escape the gunfire that killed at least six and wounded at least 31 more.

The image shows the children dressed up in red, white and blue in celebration of the July 4 holiday.

Moments earlier, the children were among the families and local residents who gathered to enjoy the parade when the mass shooting unfolded.

Victim of Highland Park shooting identified

01:30 , Rachel Sharp

One of the six people killed in the mass shooting at a July 4 parade in Highland Park has been identified.

Nicolas Toledo was one of the six victims killed in the shooting, his family confirmed.

“We are all feeling pretty numb. We’re all pretty broken inside,” his granddaughter said.

Read the full story below:

Grandfather among six victims killed in shooting at Highland Park July 4 parade

Person of interest arrested

01:03 , David Taintor

Police took Robert Crimo, identified as a person of interest in the Fouth of July parade shooting in Illinois, in custody late on Monday.

Andrew Buncbome has more:

Robert Crimo arrested as person of interest in Highland Park shooting

Investigators ask for public’s help

01:00 , Rachel Sharp

Investigators have asked for the public’s help in identifying the perpetrator and bringing him to justice.

Lake County Major Crime Take Force Sgt Chris Covelli urged witnesses to send in cellphone footage or photos from the parade and for business owners to check their surveillance footage.

“We’re asking anybody with any video surveillance that they may have, please review your cell phones,” he said.

“If you were snapping pictures in the area of Second and Central today, that could help investigators. They may see something in there that may be useful and allow them to proceed further with the investigation.

“Any business owners in that area we’re asking, please, review your video surveillance. If you have any video surveillance of that area at that time, even if you don’t see anything in there, we would love to be able to take a look at that so we can further our investigation.”

Anyone noticing anything suspicious should call 911 or the Highland Park Police Department at 847-432-7730 or the FBI tip line at 800-CALL-FBI.

Video shows gunfire erupt as people watch parade

Tuesday 5 July 2022 00:30 , Rachel Sharp

Harrowing video has captured the moment gunfire erupted during the July 4 parade in Highland Park.

Footage shows parade-goers relaxing in camping chairs on the sidewalk watching the parade participants march past.

Multiple gunshots are heard ringing out with panicked people looking around before screams fill the air.

July 4 events cancelled in wake of attack

Tuesday 5 July 2022 00:00 , Rachel Sharp

Several July 4 events have been cancelled in Illinois following the mass shooting at the parade in Highland Park.

The city of Evanston announced it was cancelling its Independence Day parade and celebrations in a social media post.

“Due to a tragic mass shooting that took place earlier this morning in Highland Park, the City of Evanston will be canceling this year’s 4th of July Parade and celebrations effective immediately,” the announcement read.

Evanston also shuttered its swimming beaches in response to the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox said the team’s game against the Minnesota Twins would go ahead as planned on Monday night.

The July 4 fireworks celebration planned for after the game was cancelled however.

Everything we know about the mass shooting

Monday 4 July 2022 23:30 , Rachel Sharp

Six people were killed and at least 24 injured after gunfire erupted at a July 4 parade in the suburban city of Highland Park.

Witnesses reported hearing up to 25 shots fired just after 10am CDT on Monday, which struck several in attendance and sent hundreds of parade-goers — some visibly bloodied — running from the parade route, leaving behind chairs, baby strollers and blankets.

Here’s everything we know so far:

Everything we know about the July 4 parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois

Photo shows children colouring on shop floor as they hide from active shooter

Monday 4 July 2022 23:20 , Bevan Hurley

Children who were forced to shelter in place after a gunman opened fire at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, filled in colouring books in the basement of a business in the Illinois city as law enforcement searched for the fugitive suspect.

Read more below.

Heartbreaking photo shows children hiding from active shooter in Highland Park

A violent first half of 2022

Monday 4 July 2022 23:07 , David Taintor

At the halfway point of 2022, the US has seen more than 300 mass shootingers and 15 mass killings.

Alex Woodward reports:

America has seen more than 300 mass shootings and 15 mass killings this year

Person of interest identified as Robert Crimo

Monday 4 July 2022 23:01 , David Taintor

Police have identified Robert Crimo, 22, as a person of interest in the shooting massacre. He resides in the area, according to police.

Bevan Hurley has more:

Robert Crimo: Person of interest identified in Highland Park July 4th mass shooting

Mass shooting was ‘very random, very intentional’

Monday 4 July 2022 23:00 , Rachel Sharp

Lake County Sheriff Sgt. Christopher Covelli described the mass shooting as “very random, very intentional”.

“This appears to be completely random,” he said at a 3pm press conference.

“Very random, very intentional, very sad day.”

The motive for the attack remains unclear and the gunman remains at large.

Bystanders gave medical care to victims on scene

Monday 4 July 2022 22:50 , Rachel Sharp

Brave bystanders on the scene of the mass shooting helped to administer medical aid to victims suffering from gunshot wounds, according to law enforcement.

Highland Park Police Commander Chris O’Neill said at a press conference that witnesses quickly “tied tourniquets” and administered “bleed control” to the victims, which he said helped the fire department officials on the scene.

Six people have so far died while at least two dozen more are in hospital following the attack.

Kamala Harris echoes Biden’s call that there is ‘more work to do’ on gun violence

Monday 4 July 2022 22:35 , Rachel Sharp

Vice President Kamala Harris has echoed President Joe Biden in saying that there is “more work to do” on gun violence as she said she is heading to Chicago on Tuesday.

“So the President and I have been in close coordination and we are being briefed on what’s happening right now in terms of the active shooter situation. We are sending federal resources to local law enforcement folks on the ground to make sure that we can help them in terms of the capture of the shooter and any investigation that will follow,” she said.

“But right now we do have an active shooter situation and so we are putting all of the resources possible into monitoring that in a way that we can bring this to a close in terms of also capture of that individual.

“I am going to travel to Chicago tomorrow morning to address the National Association of Educators NEA. And I was just sharing with some of our heroes, our local firefighters that part of what I’m preparing— sadly I was preparing it before, it’s resonant every day—is a whole section on what our teachers go through.

“They go to school to learn how to teach our children to inspire their ambition to create the future generations of leaders and our teachers are also in training to deal with an active shooter. Our teachers are having to learn how to put a tourniquet on a kid if they have been shot.

“And so when we look at the issue of gun violence, and when we look at the dangers that it presents to communities, it ranges and it is something that we should take very seriously. The President recently signed bipartisan legislation to address the issue of gun violence but we clearly have much more to do. Thank you.”

Victims aged from 8 to 85, including up to five children

Monday 4 July 2022 22:31 , Bevan Hurley

Dr Brigham Temple from North Shore University Health System is providing an update on the injuries from today’s mass shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July parade.

Dr Temple said the victims were aged from 8 to 85, including about five children.

He added that 19 of the 26 patients had been treated and discharged.

Gunman used ladder in alley to climb onto building roof

Monday 4 July 2022 22:20 , Rachel Sharp

The gunman who killed six people and wounded dozens more in the July 4 attack used a ladder in an alley to climb onto the roof of a business.

From there, he opened fire on families enjoying the Independence Day parade in the streets below.

A firearm – described only as a “high-powered” long rifle – was located on the rooftop in the aftermath of the attack.

Lake County Major Crime Take Force Sgt Chris Covelli said: “It looks like access to the roof via a ladder in an alley was unsecure.”

Police say ‘significant progress’ made in search for suspect

Monday 4 July 2022 22:05 , Rachel Sharp

Law enforcement have made “significant progress” in the search for the gunman, Highland Park Police Commander Chris O’Neill said at a press conference at around 3.30pm.

Almost six hours on from the mass shooting, the suspect remains at large and residents in the local area have been told to shelter in place.

Commander O’Neill said that, while no one is in custody at this time, the shelter in place area has been narrowed down.

The “active investigation continues”, he said.

Monday 4 July 2022 21:50 , Rachel Sharp

Police confirmed that one child was rushed to hospital with critical injuries following the mass shooting at the July 4 Highland Park parade.

The condition of the child is unclear.

Coroner Jennifer Bennek confirmed that five of the six victims died on the scene of the mass shooting, while the sixth victim died after they were rushed to a local hospital.

The five killed on scene were all adults while no details were given about the victim who died in hospital.

Most of the victims taken to hospital suffered gunshot wounds to the “abdomen, to limbs and such”, said Highland Park Police Commander Chris O’Neill.

Coroner confirms five adults died on scene, sixth victim died in hospital

Monday 4 July 2022 21:35 , Rachel Sharp

Coroner Jennifer Bennek has confirmed that five of the six victims died on the scene of the mass shooting in Highland Park, while the sixth victim died after they were rushed to a local hospital.

The five killed on scene were all adults.

No details were given about the victim who died in hospital.

The coroner said at a 3.30pm press conference that officials are not confirming the victims’ identities until next of kin have been notified.

First victim identified as grandfather

Monday 4 July 2022 21:20 , Rachel Sharp

The first victim of the Highland Park mass shooting has been identified as grandfather Nicholas Toledo.

The family of Mr Toledo told CBS Chicago that he was one of the six people killed in the attack at the July 4 parade in the city.

“We are all feeling pretty numb. We’re all pretty broken inside,” his granddaughter said.

Rifle was found on roof of building

Monday 4 July 2022 21:10 , Rachel Sharp

The rifle used in the mass shooting was recovered from the roof of a building, police confirmed.

The gunman is believed to have taken up his position there before opening fire on the parade route below.

The exact make and model of the firearm has not been revealed but officials said it was a “high-powered” long gun and that the shooter “sprayed” the scene with bullets.

Police search building to building for gunman

Monday 4 July 2022 21:05 , Rachel Sharp

Law enforcement officers have been going building to building in search of the gunman who opened fire on the July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois.

Multiple SWAT officers were seen descending on a construction site and making their way along the rooftop of the site as part of the search, reported CBS News Chicago.

Members of the public have been urged to shelter in place as the gunman’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Biden reacts to Illinois massacre and says there is ‘much more work to do’ on gun reform

Monday 4 July 2022 21:00 , Rachel Sharp

President Joe Biden has released a statement slamming the “senseless gun violence” that unfolded at a July 4 parade in Illinois and said that there is “much more work to do” on gun reform.

“Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day,” he said.

“As always, we are grateful for the first responders and law enforcement on the scene. I have spoken to Governor Pritzker and Mayor Rotering, and have offered the full support of the Federal government to their communities. I also surged Federal law enforcement to assist in the urgent search for the shooter, who remains at large at this time.

“Members of the community should follow guidance from leadership on the ground, and I will monitor closely as we learn more about those whose lives have been lost and pray for those who are in the hospital with grievous injuries.

“I recently signed the first major bipartisan gun reform legislation in almost thirty years into law, which includes actions that will save lives. But there is much more work to do, and I’m not going to give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence.”

Investigators searching social media for threats

Monday 4 July 2022 20:55 , Rachel Sharp

Investigators are searching social media for threats made against the July 4 parade in Highland Park as the identity and motive of the gunman remain unclear.

Lake County Major Crime Task Force Sgt Chris Covelli said that law enforcement were not aware of any threats made against the festivities but that they were not ruling it out.

“Certainly investigators are combing through social media to see if there’s any clues or any information that they can uncover through social media that might help them with the investigation,” he said.

Illinois governor describes shooter as a ‘monster'

Monday 4 July 2022 20:50 , Rachel Sharp

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released a statement on Twitter describing the shooter responsible for Monday’s attack as a “monster”.

“There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community,” he said in a statement.

“There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures.”

The governor called on America to “put a stop to the terror of rampant gun violence in our country”.

“We must – and we will – end this plague of gun violence,” he said.

‘High-powered’ long rifle was used in the attack

Monday 4 July 2022 20:40 , Rachel Sharp

Police have confirmed that the suspect used a “high-powered” long rifle in the mass shooting at Highland Park, Illinois.

In a second press conference at around 2pm local time on Monday afternoon, Lake County Major Crime Task Force Sgt Christopher Covelli said that a firearm was recovered from the roof of a business by the parade route.

He did not reveal the exact make or model of the firearm used but confirmed it was “high-powered”, a long gun and that the shooter “sprayed” the scene with bullets.