Sixteen people were shot and at least five people were killed Monday morning in a shooting at Highland Park’s Independence Day parade, officials confirmed, urging residents to continue to “shelter in place” as the gunman remains at large.
The shooting happened just after 10 a.m. in downtown Highland Park, according to reports. A large police presence from the state and neighboring suburban Chicago departments was seen along the parade route.
“Highland Park Police are responding to an active shooter incident that occurred in downtown Highland Park during the 4th of July parade,” the city of Highland Park wrote in a statement. “This is an active incident. All individuals are advised to shelter in place. Law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect; evidence of a firearm has been recovered. Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park. 16 people have been transferred to the hospital; 5 individuals are confirmed deceased.”
Independence Day parades and events across the north suburbs were canceled following the shooting.
“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.”
Larry Bloom, who was in the area when shots began, said at first spectators thought the “popping” sound was part of the parade.
“You heard like a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ and I think everybody kinda thought maybe it was a display on one of the floats and then it just opened up,” Bloom said.
“I was screaming and people were screaming,” Bloom said. “They were panicking and and they were just scattering and I, you know, we didn’t know. You know, it was right on top of us.”
The public is being asked to avoid downtown Highland Park as police continue to respond to the shooting “in the area of the Independence Day parade route,” the Lake County Sheriff posted on Twitter.
“STAY OUT OF THE AREA – allow law-enforcement and first responders to do their work,” the sheriff posted.
“The Illinois State Police is currently assisting Highland Park PD with an active shoot situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade,” police tweeted. “The public is advised to avoid the area of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Highland Park.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back as details emerge.
