Police in Richmond, Virginia, said on Wednesday that they thwarted a planned July 4 mass shooting after receiving a tip that led to arrests and the seizure of guns.
Authorities announced the alleged plot in a news release, but did not release any additional information. Chief Gerald Smith planned a briefing for Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement came just two days after a gunman opened fire from a rooftop on a July 4 parade in the affluent Chicago suburb of Highland Park, killing seven people and injuring more than three dozen.
Robert Crimo was charged with seven counts of murder on Tuesday. The shooting sent hundreds of people fleeing in fear and set off an hour-long manhunt. Authorities have not yet identified a motive.
US President Joe Biden tweeted that he and first lady Jill Biden were shocked by the “senseless gun violence” tearing at America.
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Law enforcement officers continue their investigation at the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois. EPA -
An aerial photo made with a drone shows US police investigating the scene of the mass shooting. EPA -
US police inspect chairs and belongings left behind at the scene. AFP -
Belongings lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters -
The gunman, identified as Robert Crimo, opened fire as people gathered to watch the July 4 parade. EPA -
A man collects chairs that were abandoned by people fleeing the scene. EPA -
Flowers line the sidewalk near the scene of the mass shooting. EPA -
US police continue their investigation into the shooting. EPA -
A couple retrieve two car seats near the parade route. Chicago Tribune / AP -
A community member organises abandoned belongings. Reuters -
Members of the FBI's evidence response team walk the scene one day after the mass shooting. AP -
A US flag and a chair lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters -
Spray paint on the ground marks evidence along the parade route. Reuters
