July 9, 2022
In this Issue: Remarks On Highland Park Parade ● Volunteer Spotlight ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events
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Remarks On Highland Park Parade
Our feelings of loss will never leave Central Avenue.
Mayor Nancy Rotering on July 6th
“…We are in shock, and we are in mourning. This is a hometown where several generations come together regularly to celebrate. And on a day that was supposed to be filled with joy, we are still reeling from the carnage.
…This was a gun that was obtained legally. We know that in so many of these mass shootings that are now becoming weekly events that the guns are being obtained legally. That should tell all of us that the laws aren’t doing their job if people can’t go out to enjoy a Fourth of July parade with their grandparents without fear. We don’t need to become a nation that is so militarized that we can’t enjoy the freedoms that people fought for 246 years ago.
…I don’t think anybody can train for this. I am a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and attended several sessions on what to do when a mass shooting comes to your town. Let’s just pause for a moment and think about the fact that the U.S. Conference of Mayors even needs to have a seminar on what to do when a mass shooting comes to your town. So you can do all the reading. You can do all the theorizing. When it comes to your own front yard, there is nothing to prepare you. There’s nothing to prepare anybody, no matter how much training, to help a community now as we start on our first day of healing from what should have never happened.”
Vice President Kamala Harris on July 5th
“…I want for you that you hold each other tight as a community, that you know that you have a whole nation who cares deeply about you and stands with you. This is a — an incredibly tight community. I know that. And this person will be brought to justice, but it’s not going to undo what happened…..all agreeing that we’ve got to be smarter as a country in terms of who has access to what and, in particular, assault weapons. And we got to take this stuff seriously, as seriously as you are — because you have been forced to have to take it seriously.”
Governor JB Pritzker on July 4th
“…There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures. There are no words I can offer to lift the pain of those they leave behind. Please know that our state grieves with you, that MK and I grieve with you.
But grief will not bring the victims back, and prayers alone will not put a stop to the terror of rampant gun violence in our country.
I will stand firm with Illinoisans and Americans: we must — and we will — end this plague of gun violence.”
Congressman Brad Schneider’s Statement on July 5th
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement regarding the tragic shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July parade. Law enforcement has a suspect in custody.
“Yesterday, around 10:15 AM, a man on a rooftop with a “high powered rifle” shot more than 30 people at the Highland Park Independence Day Parade, murdering 6. What should have been a joyful celebration of our nation’s birth ended in mayhem and tragedy. Our community has been rocked, families have been shattered, life will forever be changed.
I extended my sincerest condolences to the families of those murdered, and am praying for the recovery of all those wounded or injured.
I am grateful for the rapid response of the heroic first responders, as well as the many local residents who immediately stepped in to assist the wounded. I am thankful for law enforcement and first responders from communities in the area, the state of Illinois, and the federal government who urgently mobilized with remarkable professionalism to swiftly identify, locate, and apprehend the person of interest. I also appreciate the leadership of our Mayor Nancy Rotering, Police Chief Lou Jogmen, Fire Chief Joe Schrage, and countless others who shepherded us through the tense hours of yesterday. You all showed the power of community in the darkest of moments.
Yesterday, our country experienced at least 4 mass shootings. We have suffered more than 300 mass shootings already this year alone (just 185 days). The nation needs to act, and act now, to save other communities from experiencing the pain Highland Park is suffering today. Most Americans agree on common-sense actions such as universal background checks and an assault weapons ban to keep our communities safe. Our community has my total commitment to do everything I can to make our children, town, and nation safer. Enough is enough.
Highland Park is strong, and we will stand united as a community as we recover from this senseless tragedy. In time we will heal, but we will never forget. As the victims’ names are identified, we will share further information with respect to their families’ wishes. May the memory of the lives lost forever be a blessing.
Free counseling is available to Highland Park students, families, and community members at the Highland Park High School. Please do not hesitate to go in person or contact (224) 765-2000 with questions or concerns.”
State Central Committeewoman Lauren Beth Gash on July 4th
“…Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured, to everyone walking in or watching the parade, to the people of Highland Park, to everyone throughout Lake County and to all survivors of gun violence.
…Gun violence prevention isn’t partisan and isn’t just a talking point. We need stronger gun laws. VOTE as if our lives depend on it. Because they do.”
Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers, including the following:
Thank you to Val Pape, Mary Silcroft, Kristen Linnenburger (and her son), Lisa Smith and Nancy Shepherdson, all of Ela Township, for stuffing and stamping a mailing to newly-elected Precinct Committeepeople.
In Case You Missed It
Governor Pritzker Issues Disaster Proclamation for Lake County
Governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for Lake County to assist in recovery efforts following Monday’s mass shooting in Highland Park. Read more here.
Illinois Continues To Put Financial House In Order
With the end of the fiscal year on June 6th, the latest Accounts Payable report from the Illinois Comptroller shows continued progress due to the Governor’s budgets and the Comptroller’s work. Read more here.
State’s Attorney Rinehart Details Assistance Resources For Highland Park
State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s office is available to provide full assistance and support for the victims and survivors. No one should feel alone or feel like they must deal with trauma alone. Read more here.
Dismissive Statement On Mass Shooting Issued By Republican Candidate For Governor
Illinois State Senator Darren Bailey called for people to “move on and… celebrate” just hours after the mass-shooting at Highland Park’s 4th of July parade. Read more here.
Upcoming Events
Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. To submit your event, click here.
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Highland Park Community Rally. 4pm. Lake Dems is a co-sponsor. Highland Park. More.
MONDAY, JULY 11
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Input Nights. 5pm-7pm. North Chicago. More.
Antioch and Grant Township Democrats July Meeting. 6:30 pm. Lake Villa. More.
THURSDAY, JULY 14
Postponed – Sen. Julie Morrison Mini-Golf Outing. To be rescheduled at a later date. Lincolnshire. More.
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How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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