HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — Six people were killed and 31 others were hospitalized in a shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, according to officials.
The downtown parade was disrupted around 10:10 a.m. Monday after shots were fired. At a news conference, Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said it appeared the gunman opened fire on parade-goers from a rooftop using a rifle that was later recovered at the scene.
Highland Park Police Commander Chris O’Neill said the gunman, who is still on the loose and is considered armed and dangerous, is described as a white male, 18 to 20 years old, long black hair, small build and was wearing a white or blue T-shirt. He said a rifle was recovered on the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing heavy police presence and fire vehicles and some said they saw multiple people running from the parade. Video circulating online shows the moment shots rang out, causing parade attendees to flee the area.
Police addressed rumors that were circulating throughout social media and said there is no indication that the gunman was barricaded or had hostages.
Seven law enforcement agencies, including state police and the Lake County Sherriff’s Office, are assisting with the active shooter response.
The public in the surrounding area is being urged to shelter in place and to avoid the downtown area.
“This morning at 10:14 our community was terrorized by an act of violence that has shaken us to our core,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this devasting time.”
Officials said Fourth Fest, scheduled to start at noon, has been canceled. Metra service near the area has been suspended. Several surrounding suburbs have canceled their Fourth of July celebrations in response to the shooting.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a tweet that he is “closely monitoring the situation in Highland Park.”
Anyone with any information, or anyone with video, is urged to call Highland Park police at 847-432-7730.
The Highland Park reunification center is at 1677 Old Deerfield Road. The site is working with anyone looking for any children who ran away or are missing.
WATCH: Witness describes chaos as shooting took place during parade
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