Five killed in shooting at July 4 parade in wealthy Chicago suburb

At least five people have been killed and more than a dozen others injured in a shooting in Highland Park, a wealthy suburb on the outskirts of Chicago.

World

2 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

04 July, 2022

At least five people have been killed at a parade celebrating the United States' Independence Day on the outskirts of Chicago on Monday [Getty]

Five people were killed and at least 16 hospitalized after gunfire erupted at a Fourth of July parade route in the wealthy Chicago suburb of Highland Park on Monday, officials said, as panicked spectators fled the scene.

The city of Highland Park reported on its website that five people were killed and 16 were transferred to a hospital.

Mass shooting in Highland Park, IL during a 4th of July parade. Upscale and safe suburb of Chicago. I’ve been there.

Literally nowhere is safe. So sick of this shit & what our country has become. Guns, religious fundamentalism, controlling women’s bodies, and on and on.

Fuck.
— Ron Swanson’s Mustache (@swanny31176) July 4, 2022

"STAY OUT OF THE AREA - allow law-enforcement and first responders to do their work," the sheriff's department said on Twitter, adding that deputies were assisting Highland Park police.

WGN TV, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, said at least two people were killed and multiple people were injured. The suspect remains at large, WGN reported, citing a law enforcement source.

Authorities say shooter is still at large after shooting at 4th of July parade in Highland Park -- suburb outside Chicago. Festivities in nearby communities cancelled -- beaches also now being closed because shooter on the run. Residents being asked to stay inside.
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) July 4, 2022

U.S. Representative Brad Schneider, whose district includes Highland Park, said he and his campaign team had been gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started.

"Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community," Schneider said on Twitter. "Enough is enough!"

The parade was suddenly halted when shots were fired about 10 minutes after it began, sending hundreds of people running for safety, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

People fled the scene upon hearing several loud bangs, CBS 2 television of Chicago reported, citing a producer who was at the parade.

"Everyone was running, hiding and screaming," CBS 2 Digital Producer Elyssa Kaufman said, the channel's website reported.