Six people were killed in a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, and US authorities have detained a suspect.
Police reported that Robert E. Crimo III, 22, was apprehended following a brief pursuit.
The shooter scaled a roof and fired haphazardly at onlookers with a powerful rifle.
It is the most recent mass shooting to occur in the US; one occurred every week in 2022.
Joe Biden, the president, expressed his horror at the brutality.
A shooting that took place in Philadelphia during a Fourth of July fireworks display hours later left two police officers injured.
The gunman opened fire at the parade, near the city of Chicago, Just a few minutes after it started, around 10:15 local time (15:15 GMT).
As part of the city’s Independence Day festivities, floats, marching bands, and other community entertainment were planned for the event.
But what should have been one of the happiest days of the year suddenly descended into chaos, with people fleeing the scene and leaving pushchairs, purses, and lawn chairs on the pavement?
According to other witnesses, they mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks.
Police found “evidence of a firearm” at the scene, where the shooter was firing at bystanders from the rooftop of a nearby store.
In addition to the additional casualty the local coroner reported that passed away in a nearby hospital, five individuals perished at the scene.
At least twenty other people suffered injuries.
Nicolas Toledo, a guy in his late 70s who needed full-time care and was only there because his family did not want him to miss the event, has been identified as one of those who passed away.
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His granddaughter Xochil Toledo posted on GoFundMe, “What was supposed to be a wonderful family day turned into a dreadful nightmare for us all.”
Jacki Sundheim, a “beloved” member who taught and attended services at her local synagogue, has also been identified as a victim of the massacre.
Anand P, who was at the parade, recalled the day’s events, saying: “We went to have a great family day out, and then all of a sudden there was shooting.
Another witness, Noel Hara related how the mayhem started while eating breakfast at Starbucks after dropping off his son at the parade.
Mr. Crimo is not facing any charges, and no motive has been revealed.
Social media companies removed accounts that appeared to belong to Mr. Crimo, who used his identity to upload rap songs and videos with violent themes including shootings and gun violence.
Along with welcoming Mr. Trump’s motorcade in person, he also uploaded photos of himself wearing a Donald Trump flag and a video.
Only one month has passed since the fatal shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas.
