Multiple northern Chicago suburbs canceled Fourth of July events following a mass shooting along the Highland Park Independence Day Parade route Monday that left more than two dozen people shot, six of them killed.
Glencoe officials said the village was canceling its Fourth of July parade as the city urged residents to "remain home" with the "threat still at large."
"There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glencoe. Public Safety are monitoring the situation and recommend avoiding public and crowded areas at this time," the village tweeted.
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Glenview police announced around 11 a.m. that the town's Fourth of July Parade was canceled "out of an abundance of caution."
"There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glenview," the department tweeted, adding that police were clearing the parade area, but the town's fireworks display is still expected to take place Monday evening.
Nearby Deerfield announced its Family Days activities at Jewett Park were cleared and the parade in the town was canceled.
Evanston police said its holiday celebrations were canceled "effective immediately" due to the "tragic mass shooting."
"While there is no known threat to Evanston residents, the shooter is still at large; therefore, cancelations are taking place in an abundance of caution," the suburb stated in an alert. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors to the north."
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Northbrook announced its holiday activities, including the bike parade, mile-long parade and fireworks show were all canceled.
"Our thoughts are with our Highland Park neighbors," the suburb said in an alert to residents.
Morton Grove and Skokie also announced their parades were canceled Monday and Lake Forest said its festival and fireworks display would not be happening. The Village of Mount Prospect canceled its 4th of July parade, the remainder of the Lions Club Festival at Melas Park and the fireworks display for Monday evening and Buffalo Grove said all 4th of July events, including the Symphonic Band concert and fireworks display, have been canceled.
Arlington Heights, Elgin, Waukegan, Woodridge, Downers Grove, Wilmette, Lombard, Oak Park, Elk Grove, Itasca, Rolling Meadows and Long Grove all reported canceled events in wake of the shooting.
The Chicago White Sox announced that while their game against Minnesota will continue as scheduled Monday night, the post-game fireworks display will not take place and a moment of silence will instead be held prior to the game.
Six Flags Great America amusement park also canceled its fireworks and announced plans to close at 8 p.m. "out of an abundance of caution."
The public is being asked to avoid downtown Highland Park Monday as police respond to a shooting "in the area of the Independence Day parade route," the Lake County Sheriff posted on Twitter.
"STAY OUT OF THE AREA - allow law-enforcement and first responders to do their work," the sheriff posted.
Illinois State Police said the shooting situation is "active."
"The Illinois State Police is currently assisting Highland Park PD with an active shoot situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade," police tweeted. "The public is advised to avoid the area of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Highland Park."
According to multiple reports on Twitter, gunshots were heard at Highland Park's Fourth of July parade. Further details were not immediately confirmed by police.
The city of Highland Park also urged people to avoid the area.
"Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available," the north suburban Chicago town posted.
This is a breaking news story. Check back as details emerge.
