Police are on the manhunt for a gunman that who reportedly shot dead six people and injured at least 24, during 4 July Independence Day celebration in Chicago on Monday.
Authorities are on the hunt for a Caucasian male approximately 18 to 20 years old, with long black hair wearing a white or blue T-shirt.
Witnesses told the Chicago Sun Times they saw at least three bloodied bodies covered in blankets on the ground and five others injured nearby.
Horrific footage from the incident shows hundreds of people — some visibly bloodied — running for their lives leaving personal items, such as pushchairs and blankets, as gunshots rang out about 10 minutes after the parade began at 10am (1am AEST).
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter it is assisting Highland Park Police “with a shooting in the area of the Independence Day parade route.”
Sgt. Christopher Covelli told reporters at the scene that the shooting appeared to be “completely random”.
One parade goer, who wished to remain anonymous, described the gunman as “monstrous-looking as this act was.”
“I was eating a Walker Brothers Pancake House,” they told The Sun. “He’s a very short, frail man. Gaunt.”
Another person only gave his name as Dee in fear over his safety since the gunman is still on the loose.
“I’m scared, to be honest. That has been my work city for eight years, I walk those streets and the fact that the gunman is still at large is scary.
“I’m supposed to work tonight at a grocery store and I can’t even find the right words right now.
“I may not be able to get to work since I take the train. All trains are halted and downtown is locked down,” Dee continued.
One parade goer, who wished to remain anonymous, described the gunman as “monstrous-looking as this act was.”
“I was eating a Walker Brothers Pancake House,” they told The Sun. “He’s a very short, frail man. Gaunt.”
Another person only gave his name as Dee in fear over his safety since the gunman is still on the loose.
“I’m scared, to be honest. That has been my work city for eight years, I walk those streets and the fact that the gunman is still at large is scary.
“I’m supposed to work tonight at a grocery store and I can’t even find the right words right now.
“I may not be able to get to work since I take the train. All trains are halted and downtown is locked down,” Dee continued.