At least six people have been killed in a shooting in a Chicago suburb. 24 victims were also injured and transported to hospital, reports reported American media Monday night. According to the police the still fugitive gunman opened fire on the Independence Day parade.
The perpetrator allegedly fired from a roof. Officers have now found a firearm, but are still looking for the shooter. It would be a white man between the ages of eighteen and twenty, who may still be armed. The police have called on local residents to take shelter as soon as possible in a safe place and to stay there for the time being.
The shooting took place in Highland Park, a suburb 40 kilometers north of Chicago that has a population of 30,000. American media describe the site of the incident as an “affluent, largely white” suburb.
On July 4, the Americans commemorate the Declaration of Independence, which Congress signed on that date in 1776. It is a national holiday, with parades, fireworks shows and other events being organized in many places. All Highland Park festivities were discontinued on Monday†
“On a day when we come together to celebrate freedom, we instead mourn the loss of life and grapple with the terror inflicted on us,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement.