Community gathers to honor Highland Park parade shooting victims

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - Highland Park began picking up the pieces Wednesday afternoon after a mass shooting killed seven and wounded dozens of others on the Fourth of July.

Families were recovering the items they left behind along the parade route as they ran from the gunfire. Counseling services are also being offered, along with other support.

In neighboring Highwood, a vigil was held Wednesday evening to honor those who were senselessly killed. There, candles were lit and messages of hope were written.

"It’s really nice to know that people are clearly aware that the community matters and the only way it matters is to stick together," said Richard Hocking, a handler with the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

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Hundreds of people attended the gathering – where hugs among friends and strangers, alike, offered a bit of light amid the darkness.

"Just want everyone to know that we’re all here as a community to help one another and that no one is alone," said Joselyn Beltran.

"Events like that really put a huge gash in our lives, all of our lives," said Elizabeth Mallory.

The FBI has opened a "Family Assistance Center" at Highland Park High School to provide mental health services, government aid and financial assistance to community members.

The site will support anyone of any age who is experiencing emotional distress from Monday’s shooting.

"We don’t want people thinking they have to suffer in silence when really this building is chalk-full of people waiting and ready to assist them," said Special Agent Siobhan Johnson with FBI Chicago. "We really want to help you."

The FBI’s Victim Service Response Team is on hand to help along with the American Red Cross.

Counselors are ready to listen and assist community members as they process what they witnessed and experienced.

"A lot of people, especially children, need a lot of counseling. I think we’re all coming to terms with this in ways we can’t even understand how it’s going to affect us today and in the long run," said Michelle Gerstin, who lives in Highland Park.

Meanwhile, neighbors are joining together to support family, friends and strangers during this very difficult road to healing.

"Just brought over some water, hot wheels, and stuffed animals that I saw they were asking for on my Facebook feed. I was at the parade with my family, I have two young kids so it’s been rough and pretty traumatic, said Gerstin. "What is amazing is the community banding together and helping each other."

Hundreds who escaped are still traumatized.

Mayor Nancy Rotering says the tragedy will not define Highland Park. She urged residents to show extra kindness.

Elise Frost and her daughter Rachel say they are proud of their community, 

"Everyone has a story that connects them. There is sadness, anger and frustration," said Frost.

A group called ‘March Fourth’ just organized and participants will go to Washington DC to rally lawmakers for change.

Kitty Brandtner of Winnetka, is calling for an assault weapons ban,

 "I’m tired of crying. I’m tired of feeling helpless in a land where we are supposed to have rights. I’m not the only one  feels this, I have friends who ran for their lives. I went to the parade with my 3 kids. I thought, you know what let’s go to DC, we’ll get as many people as we can. We have a lot of commonality around this issue."

As the investigation continues, any belongings that were left behind and ended up within the police perimeter are being examined for evidence and will be available for pickup at the Family Assistance Center.

Items that ended up outside of the police perimeter as parade-goers fled are available for pickup at City Hall.

The Family Assistance Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, then as needed after that. The FAC is located at Highland Park High School – 433 Vine Avenue in Highland Park.