Officials say five people are dead and 19 were hospitalized after a gunman, who remains on the loose, opened fire on attendees of a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park.
The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park.
Numerous attendees at the parade reported hearing gunfire and people began running for safety.
Highland Park Communications Manager Amanda Civitello said that five people are confirmed dead.
19 people were transported to area hospitals for treatment, Civitello said. Their conditions were not known.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing over a dozen ambulances and other fire department units to the scene.
Some attendees said the gunman was on the roof of Uncle Dan’s Camping and Travel, 621 Central Avenue.
Police officers were seen searching the area for the suspect.
Civitello said the suspect remains on the loose and an active search is underway.
“Evidence of a firearm has been recovered,” she added.
Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park.
City officials said all Fourth of July activities have been canceled and that people should avoid downtown Highland Park.
Those in the downtown area are urged to shelter in place, Civitello said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert that they were assisting Highland Park police with the shooting and asked everyone to avoid the area so law enforcement and first responders could work the scene.
The Illinois State Police said on Twitter that they were assisting with an “active shooter situation” in Highland Park.
Officials for the Village of Deerfield, which is next to Highland Park, said on social media that their Family Days activities had been cleared and their parade canceled due to the shooting in Highland Park.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he and his staff are “closely monitoring” the situation.
“State police are on the scene and we have made all state resources available to the community. We will continue working with local officials to help those affected,” Pritzker said.
“Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade. My campaign team and I were gathering at the start of the parade when shooting started. My team and I are safe and secure,” Congressman Brad Schneider said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor. Hearing of loss of life and others injured. 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. Enough is enough!” Schneider said.
A press briefing is being held by officials at 12:45 p.m., the city said in a statement.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism