Highland Park marks one year since July 4th parade massacre
Residents of Highland Park, Illinois, marked the one-year anniversary of last year’s July 4th parade massacre which killed seven with a march to “reclaim” the route.
The schedule of events began with a moment of silence at 10 a.m. outside City Hall followed by a symbolic community walk down the same stretch that was strafed with bullets by lone gunman Robert Crimo III last year.
“After that memorial, we are, as a community, walking to reclaim the parade route, Mayor Nancy Rotering said.
“It felt to me that we needed a way to take our grief and move forward in a way that will give us, and our children in particular, the chance to experience the Fourth of July again in the future.”
Officials said roughly 5,000 people registered for a series of commemorative events throughout the day.
Organizers have stressed the march will not be a traditional parade given the solemnity of the occasion.
“Nobody wanted a parade, it was inappropriate, but it was important for us to say evil doesn’t win and this is our parade route. And this is our community that we are taking back,” Rotering said.
Media helicopters will not be permitted and reporters have been asked not to film the event or run footage of last year’s chaos which was unleashed by the man charged in the incident, a former fast food worker and failed rapper who was only 21 at the time of the carnage.
There will be no floats or performers during the day’s events, and security has been tightened. Those wishing to attend will have to scan a QR code to participate.
“Our hope is, we want to put ourselves in a position to help people find their path forward,” Police Chief Lou Jogmen said. “You know, the strongest steel goes through the hottest fire. So there’s no doubt that our community is enduring this together, and processing it together and moving forward together.”
In one of the deadliest mass shootings in Illinois history, Crimo, known as Bobby, is said to have opened fire on joyous parade-goers at 10:14 a.m. from a rooftop.
The hail of bullets killed seven and injured 48 others as traumatized participants — including children —ran for cover in every direction.
Crimo was arrested eight hours after the carnage and is still awaiting trial. He faces 117 charges and has pleaded not guilty.
A motive for his actions has never been given.
His father, Robert Crimo Sr., is also facing seven counts of reckless conduct for helping his son obtain the gun used in the mass shooting.
