President Joe Biden responded to the Highland Park shooting, where a gunman opened fire on a July 4 parade in the Illinois suburb, killing at least 6 and injuring 24. 

“Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day. As always, we are grateful for the first responders and law enforcement on the scene”, Biden said, adding, ” I have spoken to Governor Pritzker and Mayor Rotering, and have offered the full support of the Federal government to their communities.”

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The US president also said that he’s increased federal law enforcement to help local authorities find the shooter, who police say used a rifle, assumed a sniper position, and fired from a rooftop. For now, the shooter remains at large. 

“Members of the community should follow guidance from leadership on the ground, and I will monitor closely as we learn more about those whose lives have been lost and pray for those who are in the hospital with grievous injuries”, Biden added. 

The incident comes on the heels of the Robb Elementary School shootout that left 19 kids and two adults dead. There’s been a call for increased gun control in the nation, since then, and Biden has signed off on a major bipartisan reformation to this effect. 

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He spoke of this, saying “I recently signed the first major bipartisan gun reform legislation in almost thirty years into law, which includes actions that will save lives. But there is much more work to do, and I’m not going to give up fighting the epidemic of gun violence.” 

The violence unleashed on the July 4 parade has other cities on edge too, with the New York Police Department noting that they’re keeping a close eye on all celebrations in the city, the NY Post reported.