Authorities are actively searching for suspects following a mass shooting that occurred during a Juneteenth celebration in suburban Chicago, Your Content has learned.
The incident, which took place in Willowbrook, Illinois, resulted in the death of one individual and left at least 22 others wounded.
According to the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting transpired in a parking lot after midnight, where an unidentified number of suspects unleashed multiple rounds from various firearms into the crowd.
As of Sunday afternoon, no suspects have been apprehended, and the investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement analyzing cell phone records and surveillance footage for leads.
Emergency responders, including 12 ambulances, swiftly arrived at the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Joe Ostrander, battalion chief of the Tri-State Fire Protection District, stated that the victims sustained injuries ranging from minor grazes to severe gunshot wounds, with some individuals harmed while attempting to flee the chaotic scene.
Unfortunately, this incident marks another instance where gun violence has marred a celebratory gathering in the United States.
Recent months have witnessed mass shootings at a graduation ceremony in Virginia, an NBA championship celebration in Colorado, and a birthday party in California.
Moreover, additional violent incidents occurred over the weekend, with a juvenile killed and nine others injured at a party in downtown St. Louis, and two fatalities and multiple casualties in a mass shooting near an electronic dance music festival at Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 310 recorded mass shootings in the US this year, involving at least four individuals being shot (excluding the perpetrators).
Shockingly, this figure surpasses the number of days elapsed thus far in 2023.
Another shooting incident marred a Juneteenth festival in Asheville, North Carolina, where two juveniles were injured.
The festival’s organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining events in light of the violence.
Asheville Police Department confirmed the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect in connection with the incident.
In the Willowbrook case, law enforcement has refrained from releasing descriptions of the suspects, and the exact number of assailants involved remains unclear.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the deceased victim or provided information on the ages and conditions of the wounded individuals.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his concern over the shooting, emphasizing that gatherings intended for celebration should not be marred by gunfire.
He reiterated his commitment to enacting stricter gun control measures in order to address the public health emergency posed by gun violence.
The White House has reached out to state and local leaders to offer assistance in the wake of the deadly shooting.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre conveyed President and First Lady’s condolences, highlighting their thoughts for the victims and their families affected by the tragedy during a community Juneteenth celebration in Illinois.
This violent incident unfolded less than 40 miles away from last year’s mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, which resulted in seven deaths and numerous injuries.
Following that tragedy, Governor Pritzker, a Democrat, signed a ban on assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines in the state.
Law enforcement responded to the scene at approximately 12:25 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a nearby fight.
However, upon hearing gunshots, the responding deputies immediately redirected their attention back to the gathering.
It remains unclear what led to the gunfire, the whereabouts of the shooters when deputies arrived, or whether the suspects had any prior connection to the victims.
Witnesses described scenes of terror as the gunshots rang out. Markeshia Avery, who was present, dropped to the ground and recounted the continuous gunfire, according CNN.