President Joe Biden bemoaned “senseless gun violence” in his first statement responding to the deadly shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, north of Chicago.
The commander in chief further said he has spoken to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering and noted that he has “surged” federal law enforcement to help the search for the shooter, who remains at large hours after the shooting in the morning. In addition, Biden expressed his thanks to first responders and law enforcement on the scene and urged members of the community to follow the guidance of local officials.
Statement from President Biden on the Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois:
Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.
Full statement below. https://t.co/Hl0wvYuzWQ— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) July 4, 2022
Six people were killed and at least 24 others were hospitalized after the morning shooting, according to officials. The suspect has been described as a white male approximately 18 to 20 years old with longer black hair, a small build, and wearing a white or blue T-shirt. Local, state, and federal authorities are assisting with the search and investigation. The FBI’s field office in Chicago said it has deployed resources to the scene and encouraged members of the public to contact the bureau’s tip line.
FBI Chicago is aware of the situation in Highland Park, IL and has deployed resources to the scene. We encourage the public to report tips to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
— FBI Chicago (@FBIChicago) July 4, 2022
Firearm evidence was located at the scene on the rooftop of a local business, and the gun believed to have been used by the suspect is a “high-powered rifle,” police said. As of 3:25 p.m. local time, the parade route and the central business district remain an active crime scene and people there should continue to shelter in place, police said. This area entails Green Bay Road to Laurel Avenue to St. John’s Avenue to Elm Place.
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In his statement, Biden also referred to gun safety legislation he signed last month after a string of other deadly mass shootings. “I recently signed the first major bipartisan gun reform legislation in almost 30 years into law, which includes actions that will save lives. But there is much more work to do. I’m not going to give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence,” he said.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to travel to Chicago on Tuesday for a previously scheduled address to the National Association of Educators convention.
