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"There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community," Pritzker said in a statement. "There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures. There are no words I can offer to lift the pain of those they leave behind. Please know that our state grieves with you, that MK and I grieve with you."
Dr. David Baum, who attended the parade, helped treat those who were injured in the shooting.
"The bodies that I saw, it was not an image that anyone who's not a physician would have an easy time processing," said Dr. Baum.
"There were people who were immediately killed with horrific gunshot wounds."
A large police presence from the state and neighboring suburban Chicago departments was seen along the parade route.
"This is an active incident," the city of Highland Park wrote in a statement. "All individuals are advised to shelter in place. Law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect; evidence of a firearm has been recovered. Numerous law enforcement officers are responding and have secured a perimeter around downtown Highland Park."
Independence Day parades and events across the north suburbs were canceled following the shooting.
"Due to a tragic mass shooting that took place earlier this morning in Highland Park, the City of Evanston will be canceling this year’s 4th of July Parade and celebrations effective immediately."
Evanston also closed its swimming beaches "following this morning’s tragic shooting event in Highland Park."
Larry Bloom, who was in the area when shots began, said at first spectators thought the "popping" sound was part of the parade.
"You heard like a 'pop, pop, pop,' and I think everybody kinda thought maybe it was a display on one of the floats and then it just opened up," Bloom said.
"I was screaming and people were screaming," Bloom said. "They were panicking and and they were just scattering and I, you know, we didn't know. You know, it was right on top of us."
The public is being asked to avoid downtown Highland Park as police continue to respond to the shooting "in the area of the Independence Day parade route," the Lake County Sheriff posted on Twitter.
"STAY OUT OF THE AREA - allow law-enforcement and first responders to do their work," the sheriff posted.
"The Illinois State Police is currently assisting Highland Park PD with an active shoot situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade," police tweeted. "The public is advised to avoid the area of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Highland Park."
This is a breaking news story. Check back as details emerge.
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