At least 6 killed is the tragic balance of the shootings that took place this Monday at the July 4th parade for Independence Day in Chicago, USA.
The parade, which was taking place in Highland Park, was abruptly stopped 10 minutes after it had started, when several gunshots were heard.
City authorities said at least 26 other people were in hospital.
Witnesses at the scene said they saw several people bleeding, while about 20-25 shots were heard.
"At first I thought they were fireworks, I didn't realize they were gunshots," a witness to the shooting north of Chicago told CNN. "Then I saw bloodied people screaming and running away, then I understood. It was terrible," said the woman. It was a chaotic scene. I tried to call my family and found that they were hiding in a building near the scene," said another witness who was driving to the parade when the shooting started and saw people fleeing in chaos.
The celebrations are currently on hold as officials appealed for residents to avoid the area. Images published on social networks show multiple emergency services at the scene.
Extensive search underway for shooter(s) in Highland Park. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/wBfie1WIoK
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) July 4, 2022
Until now, the reasons are not clear and the identity of the author is not known. Officials said they are looking for a young man, around 18-20 years old, who is considered armed and dangerous.
City officials said six people were killed and two dozen were taken to area hospitals after a shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 4, 2022
Law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect, officials said. pic.twitter.com/D8Si9jhrki
Meanwhile, the FBI has arrived at the scene and is cooperating with local police.