HIGHLAND PARK (Ill.) — Authorities have arrested a person of interest in Monday’s July Fourth Parade attack, which left 6 people dead and 38 injured.
Robert “Bobby” E. Crimo III, a Honda Fit was seen in North Chicago. Local police tried to stop the Honda Fit before the man took them on a brief pursuit, authorities stated.
They said that the person of interest surrendered to North Chicago officers at the conclusion of the chase.
Officers saw what they believed was a sniper from a rooftop in downtown. They approached him and he fled on foot.
Five of the six victims were declared dead on the spot, while the sixth victim was taken to a hospital, Lake County coroner Jennifer Banek stated.
Brigham Temple, Northshore Medical Group’s medical director for emergency preparedness, stated at a press conference that 26 people were first seen at Highland Park Hospital. 25 of those who sustained gunshot wounds were between 8 and 85 years old.
He said that 19 of the patients were released after being treated. Temple stated that some of the patients were in serious and critical condition. He said that some were taken to nearby trauma centers.
Temple stated that four to five children were treated at this hospital.
Six people were taken by Lake Forest Hospital and seven to Evanston Hospital.
People who lost touch with family and friends during parades were asked to contact the Highland Park Police Department for a reconnection.
People who came out to celebrate July 4th before fleeing for their lives left behind discarded camping chairs, U.S. flags and other belongings along the parade route.
Numerous people were hiding in businesses around the scene while they waited for SWAT teams to rescue them.
As the manhunt for the shooter continued, helicopters flew overhead as he attempted to rain terror on what was supposed be a celebration of freedom.
There were many military-style trucks dotted the street, with armed personnel in fatigue and black vehicles with windows marked “police rescue vehicle.”
Police described the gunfire as a “tragic and massive act of violence” that terrorized residents in the normally peaceful suburb located more than 25 miles from Chicago. According to census data, Highland Park’s median home is worth $535,000 and more than 75% of Highland Park residents have college degrees.
Nancy Rotering, Mayor of New York, thanked officers for their prompt response.
She said, “Our community was terrorized by an act violence that’s shaken our core.”
According to a tweet from the agency, Illinois State Police also responded by “assisting Highland Park PD in an active shoot situation.”
Officials said that the Chicago Police Department sent a helicopter and other officers to assist in the manhunt.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Fourth of July celebrations in other Chicago suburbs — Evanston Deerfield and Skokie – were canceled
Covelli stated that there are many communities who don’t look forward to celebrating when something like this happens in their own backyard.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker attended the Evanston event that was planned when the Highland Park shooting took place.
Pritzker stated in a statement that there are no words to describe the “monster” who waits and then fires into a crowd celebrating a holiday together with their community.
“I will stand firm alongside Illinoisans and Americans: this plague of gun violence must be stopped — and we will.”
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) was present at the Highland Park event as shots rang out.
Schneider released a statement saying that Schneider and his campaign team were at the parade’s start when shooting began. “My team is safe and secure,” Schneider said.
Larry Bloom, witness, said that people initially thought the popping sound was part the parade.
He said that he heard a ‘pop pop, pop pop’ sound and that everyone thought it was a display on a float, but then it opened up,” NBC Chicago reported.
Bloom said, “I was screaming and people were screaming,” “They panicked, and they were just spreading, and I, you understand, we didn’t know. It was right in front of us, you know.”
It was the third mass shooting in the United States since May.
On May 14, ten Black men were shot to death in Buffalo, New York by a white gunman. He was allegedly motivated racial hatred and opened fire on Tops Friendly Market.
Two weeks after the Buffalo massacre ended, 19 children, and two teachers, were killed at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas. It is located about 80 miles west from San Antonio.
Congress passed legislation to control guns after the shootings. President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 25, 2015.
This bill is the most comprehensive legislation to prevent gun violence in 30+ years. It grants states “red flag” laws and enhances background checks to include juvenile records. The bill also closes the “boyfriend loophole”, which prohibits guns from being given to unmarried partners who have been convicted of abuse.
This will require increased background checks for those aged 18-21 and funding for youth mental healthcare services.
