An armed attack took place today in a northern suburb of Chicago at a parade celebrating American Independence Day, local media reported.

The parade was stopped after ten minutes, when shots were heard and panic ensued. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, several people were injured. The newspaper reporter claimed to have seen "three bloody bodies covered with blankets" and at least five wounded.

One of the eyewitnesses stated that he heard about 20 consecutive shots and because of that he judged that "it couldn't have been a gun or a rifle". He stated that he saw the wounded, including a woman whom he claims did not survive.

Authorities said five people were killed and 16 others were wounded. Police in Highland Park, a northern Chicago suburb, said it remained an "active incident" and urged people to stay away.

There are reportedly multiple fatalities following a shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois.

Warning: Gunshots heard in the video below.pic.twitter.com/F0BrsEXIS8

- Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) July 4, 2022

Source: MIA