Authorities confirmed the death of a Mexican in the shooting caused by a man on Monday during a parade for the Independence Day of the United States, in the city of Highland Park, near Chicago.
The head of the North American Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco, reported that there are also two wounded of Mexican origin in the attack.
Sadly, we have confirmed a Person of Mexican Nationality killed by gunshot in Highland Park, IL. Our sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives in this attack. There are also two injured of Mexican origin.
— Roberto Velasco Álvarez (@r_velascoa) July 4, 2022
“Sadly, we have confirmed a Person of Mexican nationality killed by gunshot in Highland Park, IL. Our sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives in this attack,” the official posted.
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He said that the head of the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Reyna Torres, is already in contact with the families of the victims to receive the necessary support.
According to AFP, the shooting has left at least six dead and 24 injured.
“Two dozen people have been transported to highland Park hospital. Six have been confirmed dead,” Commander Chris O’Neil of the police told reporters.
The suspect, described by police as a “dangerous” white man between the ages of 18 and 20 in possession of a “high-powered rifle,” escaped and is being sought, O’Neil said, urging everyone to take cover.
He added that “firearm evidence” was found on a nearby roof, so “everything indicates that (the suspect) was discreet, he was very difficult to see.”
Several law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state police and local police, are collaborating in the response to the attack.
Highland Park Police are responding to an incident in downtown Highland Park. Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
— Nancy Rotering (@NancyRotering) July 4, 2022
“On a day when we gather to celebrate community and freedom, we are mourning the tragic loss of life and fighting the terror it brought us,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said.
A suspect is arrested
A 22-year-old man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the shooting during the U.S. Independence Day parade.
The suspect is identified as Robert Crimo “was taken into custody without incident” outside Chicago following the shooting in Higland Park.
BREAKING: Police say person of interest in Highland Park mass shooting has been “taken into custody without incident.” https://t.co/uJoWUhRFHE pic.twitter.com/fdjE0Ki1yx
— ABC News (@ABC) July 4, 2022
According to AFP, the Lake County sheriff said Crimo was “in custody.” Earlier, police had warned that he was armed and that he was “very dangerous.”
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