Chicago: Shooter, who killed 6 at July 4 parade, arrested
What's the story
The US police arrested a 22-year-old man who allegedly opened fire at a July 4 parade in Chicago's Highland Park, killing six and wounding two dozen others on Monday. Before the arrest, Robert E "Bobby" Crimo III was described as a "person of interest" since he remained on the loose hours later as authorities released his picture. A rifle was recovered from the site.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In a nation with the highest per capita gun ownership in the world and the highest annual number of mass shootings among wealthy nations, the United States Senate passed the most significant gun legislation in nearly three decades on June 24. It followed the deadly mass shootings at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, in May.
High-powered rifle
Motive of crime not known yet
The shooter used a high-powered rifle and shot at the parade from the rooftop of a building. Calling the shooting "very random, very intentional," the police said there was no word on his motivation yet. According to a video by the Chicago affiliate of ABC News, Crimo was later seen exiting a vehicle with his hands raised even as the police surrounded the car.
Parade route
Onlookers ran for their lives as shooter opened fire
The shooter allegedly opened fire on the parade around 10:00 am (local time), which sent hundreds of people fleeing from the Independence Day parade. There was total chaos with onlookers running for their lives, leaving a parade route strewn with chairs, personal belongings, and abandoned balloons. All the six who died were adults and the injured, including several kids, were taken to the hospital.
'Senseless'
President Biden expresses shock
US President Joe Biden expressed shock over the "senseless gun violence" that took place in Highland Park, Illinois. "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 in a statement.
Gun lobby
About the NRA in US
Notably, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is considered to be the US's most powerful gun rights organization. It has rejected most initiatives to prevent mass shootings, including expanding background checks on gun purchases. However, its influence has waned as it became entangled in legal battles linked to a corruption scandal. As per Gun Violence Archive, the US witnessed nearly 310 mass shootings this year.