According to police, the man suspected of killing at least six people and seriously injuring more than 30 at a Chicago Fourth of July parade has been apprehended.
A Highland Park police spokesperson stated that a patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop after spotting the suspect. After a brief pursuit, police were able to apprehend the suspect and take him into custody.
A Highland Park police spokesperson stated that a patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop after observing the 22-year-old suspect, Robert E Crimo III.
After a brief pursuit, police were able to apprehend the suspect and take him into custody.
Police had previously stated that he should be regarded as armed and dangerous.
Christopher Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, stated that the assailant fired from a rooftop with a high-powered rifle that was recovered at the scene.
Mr. Covelli confirmed that police believe only one shooter was present.
The mayor of Highland Park, Nancy Rotering, stated, “This morning at 10:14, our community was terrorized by a violent act that has shaken us to the core.
In this tragic time, our hearts go out to the families of the victims.
“On a day when we gathered to celebrate community and freedom, we are instead mourning the tragic loss of life and coping with the terror that has been visited upon us.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, shots fired after only 10 minutes halted the parade.
Several witnesses informed the newspaper that they heard gunfire and that hundreds of parade-goers, some of whom were visibly bloodied, fled the route, leaving behind chairs, strollers, and blankets.
Debbie Glickman, a resident of Highland Park, told the Associated Press that she and her coworkers were on a parade float when they saw people fleeing the area.
People began yelling “there is a shooter, there is a shooter, there is a shooter.”
“So we just ran. We just ran. It’s like total anarchy down there.”
One of those killed was identified as North Shore Congregation Israel member Jacki Sundheim. There are no adequate words to express the depth of our sorrow and sympathy for Jacki’s family and loved ones, the congregation stated.
The New York Times identified wheelchair-bound Nicolas Toledo, age 76, as another victim. According to reports, he did not want to attend the parade, but his disabilities required him to be constantly supervised, and his family did not want him to miss the event.
“We were all in shock,” Xochil Toledo, his granddaughter, said. We believed it to be part of the parade.
Mexico’s director of North American affairs, Roberto Velasco, tweeted that one of the deceased was a Mexican national. He reported that two other Mexicans were injured.
The governor of Illinois, J. B. Pritzker, stated, “It is heartbreaking that a celebration of America was destroyed by our uniquely American plague. While the Fourth of July is only celebrated once a year, mass shootings have now become a weekly – yes, weekly – American tradition.”
And Congressman Brad Schneider, who was present at the event, tweeted: “My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our cities, and our country safer. Enough already!”
In a statement, President Joe Biden said, “Jill and I are appalled by the senseless gun violence that has once again brought sorrow to an American community on Independence Day.
“I recently signed into law the first major bipartisan gun reform bill in nearly three decades, which includes measures that will save lives.
“However, there is much more work to be done, and I will not stop fighting the epidemic of gun violence.”
