Two major cities suffered separate shootings during Independence Day celebrations.
On Monday, July 4th, the cities of Philadelphia and Chicago were struck with a horrifying experience as a city, after learning that there was a shooting at a local holiday festival in their region.
Just after 10 a.m. Chicago time, there were reports of gun shots at Highland Park, located about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, just 20 minutes into their 4th of July parade.
A suspect possibly linked to the shooting was later identified by authorities as Robert E. Crimo III, who was taken into custody hours after the shooting had conclude Monday afternoon. Dozens more were injured during the tragic event that authorities consider "random" and "intentional".
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke after the shooting Monday, emphasizing how much of a norm this is becoming, and how much citizens fear that an act of violence with a gun play can occur at any second.
"It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. "A day dedicated to freedom has put into stark relief the one freedom we, as a nation, refuse to uphold: The freedom of our fellow citizens to live without the daily fear of gun violence."
And later that night in the east coast, another shooting occurs in the city of Philadelphia involving more gun fire.
Two officers were shot and wounded during the city's 4th of July festivities at around 9:45 p.m. Philadelphia time, located on 2500 block of Spring Garden.
According to reports, the gunfire came from the front side of the Philadelphia Museum
Through video footage seen online, countless of people were seen running past the Ben Franklin Parkway after gun shots were heard in the area.
Mayor Jim Kenney, 99th Mayor of Philadelphia, spoke at a news conference after the shooting took place, and he did not hold back on his point of view regarding gun violence in the country.
"If I had the ability to take care of guns. I would. But the legislature won't let us. The U.S. Congress won't let us. The governor does the best he can. Our Attorney General does the best he can. But this is a gun country. It's crazy," he said.
Mayor Kenny also highlighted that with the way things stand right now, the number of shootings occurring seem really hard to tame going forward when one considers how armed this country continues to be.
"We're the most armed country in world history and we're one of the least safest," he continued. "So, you know, until Americans decide that they want to give up the guns and give up the opportunity to get guns we're gonna have this problem."
