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Police: Illinois parade shooter believed to have bought rifle legally, disguised self as female

Police believe the attack was planned for several weeks

Published: July 5, 2022 12:35pm

Updated: July 5, 2022 1:04pm

Police in Illinois said Tuesday that the rifle used in the July Fourth parade shooting outside of Chicago was "purchased in Illinois" and "appears to have been purchased legally" by the shooter. 

Lake County Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said at a press conference that investigators recovered an additional rifle from the shooter's vehicle and multiple weapons from the residence of the shooter, though did not specify what they were. 

The shooter used his mother's car to drive to the scene, where he fired more than 70 shots into the crowd of parade attendees from a rooftop with a the rifle – killing six and injuring dozens of other. Police also said the alleged shooter, Robert Crimo III, is now confirmed to be 21 years old. His age was frequently reported as 22 in breaking news stories. 

He then dropped down from the rooftop, abandoning his rifle and blending into the panicked crowd. He was reportedly disguised as a woman in order to conceal himself. 

The shooter was taken into custody Monday night at a traffic stop following an hours-long manhunt. No charges have been announced yet. No motivation has been determined.