On what was to be a day of celebration, a gunman opened fire on the Highland Park 4th of July parade, killing seven and injuring dozens more.
State Senator Julie Morrison — who represents the town — was among those at the tragic event.
“Families – including my own – set out on the 4th of July morning for a day of fun and festivities, yet were soon faced with the unthinkable: a mass shooting in their very own community,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The fear that goes through your mind when you don't know if your friends and family are safe is one of the most gut wrenching feelings – one that far too many people across this country feel.”
Members from across the Northern Suburbs and the state as a whole quickly paid homage to the Highland Park community.
“Mass shootings, gun violence and domestic terrorism are major threats to the fabric of our nation. And although I wasn’t in Highland Park, as a senator representing a portion of Lake County, I take the damage caused by this attack personally,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (Buffalo Grove). “By all accounts, targeting children, families and other parade-goers at the celebration of our country’s independence is intolerable, reprehensible and unfortunately an event the community will never forget.”
In the days since, many people have reached out wondering how they can help those affected.
To help those directly impacted by the mass shooting, the Highland Park Community Foundation has established a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund.
All contributions to the response fund will go directly to victims and survivors or the organizations that support them. To donate, click HERE.
Additionally, victims were transported to several hospitals in the area, including North Shore Hospital, which is currently seeking blood donations. If you live in the area and are willing to donate blood, please email
“As more details come forward about this tragedy, I am devastated for the families of those whose innocent lives that were taken, and those who are still fighting in the hospital due to their injuries,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “Not to mention, the trauma experienced by all.”
There are a number of mental health resources available for those who are experiencing trauma. Keep reading for places people can turn to:
Grief and Loss Support Virtual Support Group
Through the Grief and Support group, participants find healthy ways of remembering and honoring someone you care about. You will find a community of others who understand your pain, and like you, are learning to let go, needing to let go of blame and becoming whole again.
The support groups are offered by NAMI’s Cook County-North Shore affiliate but are open to any Illinois resident. Join the group Saturdays at 10 a.m. Click here to learn more and register.
224 Help
Highland Park residents can text 224Help to 844-823-5323 to receive immediate assistance from a licensed mental health care professional, 24/7.
JCFS Chicago
The JCFS Chicago Warm Line phone connection is available to provide assistance for anyone affected by the Highland Park shooting who does not have an urgent need and is looking for someone to talk to about their emotional distress. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 855-275-5237.
© 2024 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
