C T Online Desk: HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. – Six people were killed and about 24 wounded as gunfire and chaos shattered a Fourth of July parade in this affluent Chicago suburb, police said.
The shooter – described as a white male with dark hair, 18 to 20 years old – was still at large, and residents were warned to shelter in place. Video from the scene shows scores of people running for cover as music continues to play minutes after the event began at 10 a.m. local time.
“Our community was terrorized by an act of violence that has shaken us to our core,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said at a news conference. “On a day when we came together to celebrate community and freedom, we are instead mourning the tragic loss of life.”
Lake County Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the gunman apparently opened fire from a rooftop. A rifle was recovered at the scene, but the suspect should still be considered armed and dangerous, Covelli said.
“We’re asking everybody to stay indoors,” Covelli said. “Stay vigilant right now.”
Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., said he and staffers were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. All are safe, he said.
“My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer,” he tweeted. “Enough is enough!”
Sirens wailed on the 88-degree, overcast day as law enforcement vehicles flew past residential streets and residents stood anxiously on driveways and sidewalks. Clothing stores, restaurants and gift shops line the tree-shaded, brick sidewalked street leading into the center of town, where a large American flag waves above caution tape and rows of police cars.
Abandoned lawn chairs, wagons and bikes were scattered along the parade route. Curious residents walked along the sidewalks as officers with rifles stand along the edges of a park downtown.
Manuel Rangel, 28, said he saw dozens of people running past his house, away from the parade area downtown.
