A number of internet users were left fuming on seeing Google’s Fourth of July celebration animation over news about the mass shooting in Illinois’ Highland Park on Monday. The animation was part of Google’s Fourth of July celebration page. July 4 is celebrated across the United States as the country’s Independence Day.  

The Google animation facing backlash on social media featured red, white and blue splashes – colours of the American flag – and a firework display. Google users were incensed when they saw the red, white and blue splashes appear over news about the Highland Park mass shooting on Monday. Many users took to social media, highlighting the issue and urging Google to take it down.

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However, it is noteworthy that it has been a longstanding tradition at Google to celebrate important events with creative doodles or animations on their homepage. However, users have accused the company that in this instance, the usage of the Fourth of July animation on the Highland Park shooting news only shows insensitivity.

Six people were killed while at least 24 were wounded when a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in Chicago. Authorities have apprehended the alleged gunman, Robert Crimo, 22, following a car chase.

The incident comes following numerous similar incidents that have taken place in the US in the previous years. According to the Gun Violence Archive, approximately 40,000 deaths occur due to gun violence in the country every year.

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Authorities say there were children among those injured in the shootout and some of them are critical.

Videos of the shootout have since emerged on social media. Users have condemned the shooting and called for swift justice.

Following the mass shooting, authorities in Chicago cancelled all Fourth of July celebrations. US President Joe Biden tweeted: “Shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.” “I will not give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence,” he wrote further.