After firing more than 70 rounds during the Highland Park 4th of July parade, killing 7 and injuring dozens, the suspected gunman drove to Madison, Wisconsin, and “seriously contemplated” another shooting in the area.
“It appears when he drove to Madison, he was driving around. However, he did see a celebration that was occurring in Madison and seriously contemplated using the firearm he had in his vehicle to commit another shooting,” Lake County Major Crimes Task Force spokesman Sgt. Christopher Covelli said said following a court hearing Wednesday.
When the gunman arrived in Madison, Covelli said he had about 60 rounds of ammunition,
“Indications are he did not put enough thought and research into [another shooting],” Covelli said.
The 21-year-old suspect from Monday’s Highland Park 4th of July parade mass shooting was held without bond Wednesday.
“He does in fact pose a specific threat to community therefore defendant will be held without bond” the judge said during the hearing.
“I want to continue to emphasize that this is an ongoing and active investigation with all of our law enforcement partners,” Covelli said.
“If anyone has any surveillance footage whatsoever of the July 4 Highland Park parade, we would urge them to contact the Highland Park Police Department.”
The next hearing is scheduled for July 28 at 1:30 p.m.
According to Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart Tuesday, the accused gunman faces 7 counts of first-degree murder, along with several criminal charges to come.
“These are just the first of many charges that will be filed against [the suspect]. Dozens more charges centered around each of the victims,” which Rinehart said included those struck by bullets and those that suffered psychological damage.
The seven counts announced Tuesday would, if convicted, carry a mandatory sentence of life without parole, Rinehart said.
