The man suspected of killing at least six people and seriously injuring more than 30 during a July 4 parade in Chicago was arrested, police said.
A Highland Park Police spokesperson said the suspect, Roberto And Crimo III22 years old, he was spotted by a patrol who tried to start a traffic blockade.
The suspect fled and after a brief chase the police managed to stop him and take him into custody.
Police had previously stated that he had to be considered armed and dangerous.
The assailant opened fire on the crowd at Highland Park, officials said.
He apparently opened fire from a roof using a high-powered rifle that was recovered at the scene, Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said.
Mr. Covelli confirmed that the police believe there was only one shooter.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A gunman opens fire in Chicago
Nancy Rotering, Mayor of Highland Park, said: “This morning at 10.14 our community was terrified by an act of violence that shook us to the core.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims at this devastating time.
“On a day when we gathered to celebrate community and freedom, we instead mourn the tragic loss of life and fight against the terror that has been brought upon us.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the parade was stopped after just 10 minutes when shots were fired.
Several witnesses told the newspaper that they heard gunfire and that hundreds of parade participants – some visibly bloodied – fled the path, leaving chairs, strollers and blankets behind.
A child’s bicycle is left on Central Avenue near the scene of the mass shooting
Debbie Glickman, who lives in Highland Park, told The Associated Press she was in a parade float with colleagues when she saw people flee the area.
“People started saying ‘there’s a shooter, there’s a shooter, there a shooter’.
“So we ran away. We just ran. It’s like mass chaos over there.”
One of those killed was a Mexican citizen, Mexico’s director of North American affairs Roberto Velasco tweeted. He said two other Mexicans were injured.
JB Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, said, “It is devastating that a celebration of America has been torn apart by our only American foulbrood. I am furious that it doesn’t have to be … as we celebrate the Fourth of July, only once a year, mass shootings have become a weekly, yes, weekly, American tradition. “
And Congressman Brad Schneider, attending the event, tweeted: “My condolences to family and loved ones; my prayers for the wounded and for my community; and my commitment to do everything possible to make our children, our cities, our safest nation. Enough! “
A baby stroller and bottle of water are left on Central Avenue
President Joe Biden said in a statement, “Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has once again brought grief to an American community on Independence Day.
“I recently signed the first major bipartisan weapons reform law in nearly three decades of law, which includes actions that will save lives.
“But there is still a lot of work to be done and I will not give up fighting the epidemic of armed violence”.
