According to a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, the suspected shooter, who was arrested late Monday, used a high-powered rifle “similar to an AR-15” to spray bullets into a crowd gathered for the parade in Highland Park.
The shooter who opened fire on an Independence Day celebration killing at least seven people then eluded capture by disguising as a woman and blending into the fleeing throng, authorities said Tuesday.
Investigators who have interviewed the suspect and studied his social media posts have discovered no evidence that he targeted anyone based on race, religion, or other protected status, according to Covelli.
According to Covelli, the gunman planned the attack for several weeks.
Authorities have not brought any criminal accusations.
Earlier in the day, FBI officers peered into trash cans and under picnic blankets in search of further evidence near the scene of the assailant’s shooting.
Hundreds of people ran in horror when the gunfire was misinterpreted as fireworks.
