Massive shooting in Chicago at the fourth of July parade.

At least five people are dead and 19 were taken to hospitals after a shooting at a July Fourth parade in a Chicago suburb, and officers are searching for a suspect, police said Monday.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the parade began around 10 a.m. but it was suddenly halted 10 minutes later after shots were fired. A Sun-Times reporter saw blankets placed over three bloodied bodies. Several witnesses told the newspaper that they heard gunfire.

In a statement on its website, the city warned residents to «shelter in place» as the hunt continues for the shooter.

«Highland Park Police are responding to an active shooter incident that occurred in downtown Highland Park during the 4th of July parade. This is an active incident,» the statement reads.


«All individuals are advised to shelter in place.»

Law enforcement say evidence of a firearm has been recovered, according to the statement.

A perimeter has been secured the city's downtown area.

Illinois State Police tweeted earlier Monday that it is aiding local authorities with «an active shooter situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade.»

Five people are dead and 16 injured after a shooting at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago-area suburb of Highland Park, Illinois, according to local officials.

In a statement on its website, the city warned residents to «shelter in place» as the hunt continues for the shooter.

«Highland Park Police are responding to an active shooter incident that occurred in downtown Highland Park during the 4th of July parade. This is an active incident,» the statement reads.

«All individuals are advised to shelter in place.»

Law enforcement say evidence of a firearm has been recovered, according to the statement.

A perimeter has been secured the city's downtown area.

Illinois State Police tweeted earlier Monday that it is aiding local authorities with «an active shooter situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade.»

"My team and I are safe and secure," he tweeted.

He added that he's committed "to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!"