Shooting at Highland Park Parade in Illinois... Over 30 Casualties
Suspected Perpetrator Acted from Nearby Building Rooftop
Suspect is Son of Local Influential Figure, Also Active as Rapper
Posted Video Hinting at Crime on SNS
On the 4th (local time), after a indiscriminate shooting targeting the Independence Day parade procession in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, USA, armed police are conducting a manhunt for the suspect. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] A parade took place in a suburb of Chicago on the United States Independence Day, during which a mass shooting targeting civilians resulted in over 30 casualties.
According to local media including CNN on the 4th (local time), the police in charge of Highland Park near Chicago, Illinois, where the incident occurred, reported that at least six people were killed and 24 injured in a shooting at the Independence Day parade that morning.
CNN cited hospital officials saying that a total of 31 injured people were brought to two nearby hospitals, most of whom suffered gunshot wounds. Local police indicated that many of the injured are in serious condition, so the death toll may rise.
Highland Park is a wealthy village located 40 km north of Chicago, with most residents being white. Chicago-area media reported that the incident occurred about 10 minutes after the Independence Day parade began around 10 a.m. in Highland Park. Witness Miles Jaremski told CNN he heard 20 to 25 gunshots and saw people bleeding, while another witness said, "When the first shots were fired, parade participants thought fireworks had started."
After a pursuit, police arrested the suspect, Robert E. Crimo III (22). Crimo is believed to have climbed a ladder attached to the exterior wall of a poorly secured building to reach the rooftop and carry out the attack. A high-powered rifle, presumed to have been used by the suspect, was found on the rooftop. He was arrested by police in the nearby Lake Forest area and taken to the Highland Park police station.
The Highland Park Police Department in Illinois, USA, identified Robert E. 'Bobby' Crimo III (photo, 22) as the suspect in the indiscriminate shooting incident that occurred at the Independence Day parade held in Highland Park near Chicago on the 4th (local time) and released his photo. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The suspect was identified as the son of Bob Crimo, owner of 'Bob's Pantry & Deli' in Highland Park and a candidate in the 2020 Highland Park mayoral election. The suspect used the stage name 'Awake The Rapper' and was known to have composed several rap songs. Lyrics from his album 'Are You Awake,' released on October 15, 2021, reportedly contained hints of the crime, and he had uploaded a music video featuring a semi-automatic rifle to YouTube. YouTube designated the video as harmful content and blocked the account.
President Biden issued an emergency statement immediately after the incident, expressing his determination to continue the fight against gun violence and war. He said, "I am shocked by the indiscriminate gun violence that has once again brought sorrow to American society this Independence Day." He also promised "full federal support" to resolve the incident and mentioned that he would pray for the victims.
President Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden, observed a moment of silence to honor the victims. He stated, "I recently signed a bipartisan gun reform bill that includes life-saving measures for the first time in nearly 30 years," adding, "But there is much more to be done. I will not give up fighting against the spread of gun violence."
U.S. President Joe Biden (right) and First Lady Jill Biden observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Highland Park shooting in Chicago during the Independence Day event held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 4th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
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