Highland Park’s fourth fest cancelled after shooting at July 4 parade

Highland Park‘s fourth fest has been cancelled after multiple people were shot at the Fourth of July Parade hosted by the City and Park District on Monday morning.

“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,” Mayor Nancy Rotering tweeted.

The shots were reportedly fired about 10 minutes after the July 4 parade kicked off around 10 am on Monday.

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Representatives Brad Schneider and Bob Morgan, who were at the parade, have confirmed that they are “safe.”

“Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade. My campaign team and I were gathering at the start of the parade when the shooting started. My team and I are safe and secure. We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor,” Schneider, who represents Illinois’ 10th District in the United States Congress, tweeted.

“Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!”

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Morgan, who represents Illinois’ 58th District, tweeted, For those unaware, there was a shooting at the Highland Park Parade. I am ok but there have been multiple injuries. Please stay out of the area, stay safe, and please pray for those injured.”  

The Fourth Fest was supposed to start right after the parade from 11 am at Sunset Park and include “music by Maggie Speaks, carnival rides and games, an obstacle course bounce attractions, and more,” according to the City of Highland Park’s official website. 

The event was supposed to end with the 16th Annual Bitter Jester Music Festival at Wolters Field followed by fireworks.