Reflecting on the Highland Park Parade Massacre: One Year Later, Healing and Reevaluating Public Gatherings

Residents of Highland Park, Illinois, gathered for a memorial ceremony and walk one year after a gunman killed seven people and wounded dozens during the Fourth of July parade. The community, still grieving, came together to honor the victims and reclaim the parade's path through downtown. Many residents expressed anger over the accused gunman's ability to obtain a high-powered gun and called for stricter gun laws. City officials decided not to hold a parade this year but organized somber events and alternative celebrations to commemorate the holiday.