It was a day that started ordinarily enough for July 4. The weather was set to be in the 90s. Partly cloudy. And just like on any other Independence Day, families, and friends, old and young gathered, together in downtown Highland Park to watch and celebrate the annual parade.
But as families cheered on local vets, businesses and a klezmer band from their lawn chairs, a 21-year-old gunman perched himself on a roof and reigned down terror as he used a high-powered rifle to kill seven people and injure more than two dozen. Some killed by bullets. Others by a stampede of panic. A father put his son in a trash dumpster to protect him.
The victims ranged in age from 8 to 85.
Members of the Highland Park Police Department who were monitoring the parade bravely rushed the building causing the shooter to cease fire and run. They were able to ID a person of interest: Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, who was captured later in the evening when a North Chicago police officer saw his vehicle, waited for backup, then stopped the car near Lake Forest.
The #FBI is assisting with the search for Robert E. Crimo, III, sought for his alleged involvement in the shooting of multiple people at a July 4, 2022, parade in Highland Park, Illinois. He may drive a 2010 Silver Honda Fit with Illinois plates DM80653: https://t.co/8RJLbCgyJQ pic.twitter.com/7t2soP3J3V
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) July 4, 2022
Highland Park is where 1980’s classics 16 Candles, Weird Science, Risky Business, and Ferris Bueller were filmed. Like other targets of mass shootings in America, this was not supposed to happen here. But it’s something that could have happened in Barrington, Deer Park, Elgin, Winnetka, Evanston or countless other small towns.
Actress Rachel Brosnahan, who grew up in Highland Park and currently stars in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, expressed her grief in a tweet: I grew up in Highland Park and this parade is a highlight of the year for so many families. “I’m sick to my stomach every time news like this comes out, but I don’t wish the pit in your stomach as you call your family and friends to make sure everyone is okay on anyone. No words.”
I grew up in Highland Park and this parade is a highlight of the year for so many families. I’m sick to my stomach every time news like this comes out, but I don’t wish the pit in your stomach as you call your family and friends to make sure everyone is okay on anyone. No words. https://t.co/5dE7JB8Z17
— Rachel Brosnahan (@RachelBros) July 4, 2022
Brosnahan shared a link to Everytown for Gun Safety in a subsequent tweet, writing “Enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough.
Singer and songwriter Richard Marx, who also grew up in the community, said he was “heartbroken.”
“I’m actively reaching out to check on the welfare of people I still know there,” Marx wrote in a tweet. “My heart is always broken by these constant mass shootings no matter where they occur but today I’m extra heartbroken. And extra angry at the senselessness.”
I grew up in Highland Park. I’m actively reaching out to check on the welfare of people I still know there. My heart is always broken by these constant mass shootings no matter where they occur but today I’m extra heartbroken. And extra angry at the senselessness.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) July 4, 2022
Marx, who continued to share tweets of the tragedy throughout the day, had choice words for the NRA.
F**k you @NRA Every single one of you. F**k you. Ignorant, soulless accomplices to the murders of countless men, women and children. https://t.co/kb868CdNaw
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) July 4, 2022
Director and actor Ken Olin, who starred in the TV drama Thirtysomething, also tweeted about the tragedy.
“My hometown. I went to this parade every year as a little boy,” Olin tweeted. “My heart breaks for all the children in our country who will grow up afraid of celebrating with a mass of happy people.”
My hometown. I went to this parade every year as a little boy. My heart breaks for all the children in our country who will grow up afraid of celebrating with a mass of happy people.
Highland Park 4th of July parade mass shooting, 5 dead, 16 hospitalized. https://t.co/DmKJPkCViU— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) July 4, 2022
Chicago Bears running back and return specialist Darrynton Evans also took to Twitter in the wake of the shooting, E! reported.
“Prayers up for the the community of Highland Park … just sad man,” the 23-year-old tweeted. “People can’t even enjoy a 4th of July Parade any more.”
ns (@ItzLiveee) July 4, 2022
Reel Chicago and Reel 360 News extend our prayers for the families and friends in Highland Park and throughout Chicagoland.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
