Speaker Welch's Statement Following Tragedy in Highland Park

Westchester, Ill. – What was supposed to be a national celebration turned into another horrific day of tragedy for this country. At a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, a gunman fired more than 70 rounds with a high-powered rifle into the crowd killing 7 people and injuring dozens more. This marks the 314th mass shooting in the United States so far this year. 

“I continue to pray for the families who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy, and I know the best way to honor those victims of injustice is to turn this pain into action,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I’ve been in close contact with members of our Democratic caucus, as well as gun reform advocates about what more we can do in Illinois to prevent these horrific events from plaguing our communities. I will continue pressing our federal leaders for their ongoing commitment to address this nationwide epidemic of gun violence and will work with local, state, and federal officials to ensure we have tangible solutions to prevent these heinous acts from happening again.”  

Governor JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for Lake County to assist in recovery efforts following the mass shooting. This proclamation grants the State of Illinois the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel, or equipment to help affected communities recover. 

Lake County prosecutors have charged the shooter, who has confessed to the crime, with seven counts of first-degree murder and say they will likely file dozens of additional charges. Officials say the suspect planned the attack in Highland Park for weeks and after he fled the scene, traveled to Madison, WI to carry out a potential second attack. 

“This was a very dangerous individual who should not have had access to firearms,” said Speaker Welch. “The people, the children who were at the parade on Monday are forever scarred and I cannot imagine the trauma they’re experiencing from what they went through and witnessed. We must do more to protect our communities. We cannot accept this as the norm in our country. The time for national gun reform is now.”  

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