caption freeform

July 7 Community Update

Investigation Update

Highland Park Police are continuing to investigate the shooting at the Fourth of July Parade in partnership with the FBI, the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, and law enforcement partners throughout the state. With the suspect now in custody in Lake County, law enforcement continues to focus on processing the crime scene within the secure perimeter in downtown Highland Park. Investigators are working to gather evidence as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The City is very grateful for the partnership of all responding agencies in supporting our team at this difficult time. Please know that your strong support for all of our first responders and law enforcement partners is greatly appreciated. Visit hpstrong.info for news updates, vigil information, resources, and more.

Para leer este correo electrónico en Español, haga clic aquí y luego presione el botón azul (translate button) en la parte superior de la página.

In Memoriam

The City grieves the loss of seven victims of this tragic shooting. Our hearts are broken for their loved ones, and we extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends:

Katherine Goldstein (64) of Highland Park
Irina McCarthy (35) of Highland Park
Kevin McCarthy (37) of Highland Park
Jacquelyn Sundheim (63) of Highland Park
Stephen Straus (88) of Highland Park
Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza (78) of Morelos, Mexico
Eduardo Uvaldo (69) of Waukegan

May their memories forever be a blessing.  

FBI Victim Assistance Center at Highland Park High School

The FBI has opened a Family Assistance Center (FAC) at Highland Park High School, offering support services and crisis assistance including counseling and mental health services, spiritual care, and financial assistance, if needed.

FAC services are available to anyone directly impacted by the events at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade. Victims are not just those who are physically injured, but also those who were present and may be experiencing emotional distress. All affected individuals and families should feel safe accessing services at the FAC, regardless of immigration status.

Current hours are: 

  • Thursday, July 7: 9 AM - 9 PM
  • Friday, July 8: 9 AM - 9 PM
  • Saturday, July 9: TBD

Note: The entrance to receive services at Highland Park High School has moved from the main entrance on Vine Street to the H-Entrance. The H-Entrance is on the north side of the school, near St. Johns Avenue and Woodpath Lane. Only the H-Entrance will be open. All visitors will check in at the H-Entrance and per school standard operating procedures, anyone who is not a current District 113 student or staff member who wishes to take advantage of counseling services will need to provide a valid form of identification to be cleared to enter the school. 

Learn more about available support in English & Spanish. The City greatly appreciates the partnership of the FBI and School District 113 in providing these essential services to our community. 

Community Information Meeting in Spanish

The City will host a community information meeting in Spanish today, Thursday, July 7, 7:00 PM at the Highland Park Public Library (494 Laurel Ave.) Following remarks from Mayor Rotering and Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, the City will share resources from community partners. Councilmember Andrés Tapia will provide Spanish-language interpretation.

Retrieving Personal Belongings

Please do not remove personal property left along the parade route as this is still an active investigation. A secure perimeter around the crime scene has been established:

Retrieving items outside the secure perimeter:
Public Works has picked up items left along the parade route outside the secure area and placed them on the north lawn of City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue. Items will be added as they are collected.

Retrieving items within the secure perimeter
Property within the secure area is being processed by the FBI to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. Items that are not being retained for evidence will be released as they are processed and may be picked up at the Family Assistance Center at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave, Highland Park from 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM until Friday. Future dates and hours for item pick-up will be shared as it becomes available.

Items recovered from zones 1 and 5, items from the north side of zone 3, and limited items from zones 4 and 6 on the map below are available for pick-up at this time. There were no personal items recovered in area 2. Items at the intersection of Second and Central are not available for pick-up.

July 11 City Council Meeting Canceled

The City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, July 11 has been canceled. The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, July 25.

On Wednesday, July 13 at 7:00 PM, the City will host a vigil at City Hall for the community to gather and honor the memory of the victims. More information will be shared when available. 

Community Counseling

In addition to counseling services offered at the Family Assistance Center at Highland Park High School, Family Service of Lake County is offering free counseling sessions with expanded hours (9 AM - 7 PM) to community members in need. Family Service of Lake County is located at 777 Central Avenue. Appointments are not needed and walk-ins are welcome. 

July 12: Blood Drive at the City of Highland Park Senior Center

The City is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 12, from 12 - 5 PM at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West. 

Due to high interest, appointments are required. Please call 1.800.REDCROSS (1.800.733.2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: HPSC to schedule your appointment.

City-Sponsored Community Events

The City has temporarily paused City-sponsored community events for this week and next, including Food Truck Thursdays (July 7 and July 14), Takeout Tuesday at The Lot (July 12), and World Music Fest at The Lot (July 16.) We anticipate resuming regular programming the week of July 17.

Donations

To help those impacted by Monday's mass shooting, the Highland Park Community Foundation has established a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund. The Highland Park Community Foundation is deeply embedded in our community and is best positioned to provide aid to those in need. 

Here is also a direct link to the donation form. If you prefer, you may send a check, payable to the Highland Park Community Foundation, to P.O. Box 398, Highland Park, IL 60035.

The City urges individuals interested in donating to support those impacted by Monday's mass shooting to carefully consider all online and email requests for donations. 211 Lake County offers a fact sheet to assist in evaluating requests for donations.

Safeguarding Victim Privacy

Our community is deeply generous, and we understand that many individuals are working to support impacted families. Please be careful to protect the privacy of victims' families when sharing posts on social media. Avoid sharing addresses or other information. 

211 Lake County

The trained navigators at 211 Lake County can help you and your family understand the many services and assistance available in the wake of Monday's tragedy. You may not be aware of the services that can support your family in recovering from this traumatic event. 211 offers support in English, Spanish, and many other languages. Support is available 24/7 online, by phone, and via text.

Resilience Resources

The National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center has prepared a wealth of resources for individuals impacted by Monday's tragedy. Events like this can affect everyone’s sense of safety and may be a trauma cue for people who have previously experienced similar events or other types of victimization. 

In addition, NMVVRC offers a free self-help app that victims and survivors may find helpful as they begin their difficult journey toward recovery and resilience. A special guide for talking to kids is available for parents.

The National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center is at the Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. 

Partner Updates

Chicago Botanic Garden
In a time of crisis, nature can be healing, a respite. To support our community, admission and parking to the Garden will be free for all from 3 to 8 PM starting through Sunday, July 10.

Ravinia Festival
In light of Monday’s tragedy, and out of a deep respect for our community, Ravinia announced the cancellation or postponement of all concerts and events through Sunday, July 10.