At least two people have been reported killed in a shooting at a July 4 parade in a Chicago suburb, with witnesses describing having seen bloodied bodies covered in blankets.
Local news channel WGN TV, citing an unidentified police officer, said at least two people were killed and the suspect was still at large.
According to The Chicago Sun-Times, the parade stopped after just 10 minutes when shots were fired.
Several witnesses told the newspaper that they heard gunshots shortly after 10 a.m. and that hundreds of people in attendance at the parade – some visibly bleeding – fled the route, leaving behind chairs, strollers and blankets.
A Sun-Times reporter saw blankets placed over three bloodied bodies.
Police told people, “It’s not safe to be here.”
Highland Park resident Debbie Glickman told the Associated Press she was in a parade with her co-workers when she saw people fleeing the area.
“People started saying ‘there’s a shooter, there’s a shooter, there’s a shooter.’
“So we just ran. We just ran. It’s like massive chaos down there.”
Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider, who attended the event, tweeted, “The loss of lives and other injuries has been seen.
“My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the wounded and for my community; and my commitment to do everything possible to make our children, our peoples, our nation safer. ‘enough is enough!’
City leaders said on Twitter, “Police are responding to an incident in downtown Highland Park. The Quart Fest has been canceled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared at as it becomes available “.