Shooting at July 4 Parade near Chicago, casualties feared

Chicago, July 4 : Several people were shot at a July 4 Independence Day parade near the US Chicago city on Monday, reports said.

The parade in Highland Park, north of Chicago, was suddenly halted about 10 minutes after it began, when several shots were heard, the BBC reported.

Local Congressman Brad Schneider, who was present at the occasion, tweeted that he was "hearing of loss of life"."Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade.

My campaign team and I were gathering at the start of the parade when shooting started.My team and I are safe and secure.

We are monitoring the situation closely and in touch with the Mayor."Hearing of loss of life and others injured.

My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer.Enough is enough!"One reporter saw five people with blood on them, according to a Chicago newspaper.

Highland Parks Mayor said the festival had been cancelled and asked people to avoid the downtown area.vd #July #Parade #Chicago #feared #Chicago .