This morning we learned new details about the tragedy that occurred in Highland Park on July 4. Per WGN, “The gunman accused of fatally shooting seven and wounding over 30 people at a Highland Park Fourth of July parade wore a disguise and blended into the crowd he fired upon before he fled the scene and was eventually caught by police.”

Police said he had planned the attack for weeks and on Monday, was able to access the roof of a business near the parade route and fired over 70 rounds into a panicking crowd.

The death toll has unfortunately risen to 7 at the time of publishing, as well as over 30 other parade-goers who received hospital treatment.

We are learning more about the victims throughout the day. The New York Times has an ongoing list of confirmed lives lost and their impacts on the community.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness offers a free, 24/7 hotline for anyone who needs to speak about the events that have unfolded in our community at 833-626-4244.