By: Ashmar Mandou

Elected officials sounded off following the mass shooting that took place at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade Monday, which as of Tuesday, has risen to 38 victims, according to officials. The suspect in question was taken into Lake Forest police custody after an hours-long manhunt, where the shooter aimed his fire into the crowd of spectators during the suburban celebration, killing six people. NorthShore University Health System said Tuesday at least 38 people were taken to its hospitals, up from the 26 who were treated immediately following the shooting. Eight of those patients remained hospitalized Tuesday, two of them at NorthShore’s Highland Park hospital, five at its Evanston location and one at its Glenbrook location. The shooting occurred around 10am in the area of Central Avenue and 2nd Street in downtown Highland Park. Governor JB Pritzker shared a few words about the tragic shooting Monday afternoon.

“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. 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.” -Gov. JB Pritzker

“My family and I are praying for the Highland Park community and all who attended the 4th of July parade today to celebrate our country only to have that celebration turned into tragedy. Our state is saddened and stunned by this horrific act of gun violence.” -Lt. Governor Stratton

“My heart bleeds today for the families who lost loves and seriously injured many in today’s senseless shooting at Highland Park’s 4th of July Parade. The 4th of July is supposed to be a joyous day of celebration remembering those lost for our freedom. Now the nation is looking upon our state due to these random tragedies.  How safe are we, when we cannot no longer celebrate our freedom and be imprisoned in our homes.” -Cook County Clerk Iris Y. Martinez

“I have been watching the news in horror as at least 6 are dead and many more were wounded after a gunman opened fire as families attended an Independence Day parade in Highland Park. What should have been a peaceful celebration of our nation’s founding ended in unspeakable tragedy.” -Cardinal Blase J. Cupich