Parade shooting suspect bought 5 weapons despite threats

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (AP) – The man accused of opening fire at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago legally bought five weapons, including two high-powered rifles.

Authorities said Tuesday that the purchases were allowed even though police were called to his home twice in 2019 for threats of violence and suicide.

The suspect was charged with seven counts of murder.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart promised that dozens more charges would be sought and that the man could receive a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

RELATED STORY: Seventh person dies, gunman fired more than 70 rounds at July 4 parade

The assailant sprayed more than 70 rounds from a rooftop into a crowd in Highland Park, an affluent community of about 30,000 on the Lake Michigan shore.