CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox spoke to Major League Baseball on Monday about postponing their game against the Minnesota Twins after a gunman opened fire at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago, killing at least six people.
After the team spoke with MLB and contacted local authorities, the game was played as scheduled. The fireworks display was canceled after the match, and a moment of silence was observed before the first move of the Twins’ 6-3 victory.
“Our thoughts are with the Highland Park community,” the White Sox said in a statement. “The entire Chicago White Sox extends our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the innocent victims of today’s horrific shooting and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Police said the gunman wounded at least 30 and sent hundreds of protesters, parents with prams and children on bicycles fleeing in terror. A 22-year-old man identified as a VIP has been arrested after an hours-long manhunt.
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Highland Park:Rich Chicago suburb reeling after shooting
Several nearby cities canceled events, including parades and fireworks, and some at the time indicated that the Highland Park shooter was still at large.
“Something needs to change,” said Liam Hendricks, who is close to the White Sox. “Something has to be done, something has to happen because there are so many people losing their lives.”
The 4th of July shooting was the latest to break the rites of American life. Schools, churches, grocery stores, and now community rallies have all become killing grounds in recent months.
“Unfortunately, it’s almost daily,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said of the shooting. way often.
“Even when there is an explanation, there is no explanation. It doesn’t make sense.”
Highland Park is a close-knit community of about 30,000 people located on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Chicago, with sprawling lakeside mansions and estates that have long drawn the sometimes rich and famous, including NBA legend Michael Jordan, who lived in the city For years when he played for the Chicago Bulls.
“What happened today in Highland Park was appalling and meaningless,” The Bulls said in a statement. “Over the years, Highland Park has been home to many members of the Bulls Nation, including a number of Bulls players and staff. Our relationship with the community is personal, and it holds a special place in our hearts.
“We mourn the community and all those affected, we support them as we all mourn this tragedy.”
The cubs said they were “sad and loved” by the violence. The NFL Bears called the shooting “senseless and shameful,” and the NHL’s Blackhawks also expressed their grief.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, work and play, and this simply cannot be accepted as the norm,” the Black Hawks said in their statement.
