Six people have been shot dead at a 4 July Independence Day parade near the US city of Chicago, city officials say. The event in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb, was suddenly halted about 10 minutes after it began, when several shots were heard. Police officials said they were still searching for a white man, aged 18-20, described as armed and dangerous. City authorities said 24 people had also been hospitalized. Residents have been urged to stay at home and contact their loved ones to make sure they are safe.
Law enforcement officers, who are searching for the suspect, have secured a perimeter around Highland Park’s downtown area and recovered evidence of a firearm, the statement said. Speaking at a news conference the local police commander Chris O’Neill described the shooter as a young white male who is armed and dangerous. Meanwhile, the mayor of Highland Park said the festival had been cancelled and asked people to avoid the downtown area.
Chidozie Chima | September 20, 2024
