Message from Mayor Pandaleon

Mayor George Pandaleon shares a message with Lake Forest residents in response to the shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade.

Video Message


Written Message

Our community is hurting after the shooting that occurred yesterday during the Highland Park 4th of July Parade. Our hearts go out to the victims, the Highland Park community, its leadership, and to those who responded to this horrific event. We pray for those who were wounded in hopes that they all make a full recovery.

Yesterday we all saw an immediate and well-coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies at the Federal, State, County, and local levels, to this senseless act of evil. The Lake Forest Police Department and Lake Forest Fire Department joined officers from throughout the region to provide support on the scene in Highland Park.

As we watched the events unfold yesterday we heard many stories of courage and bravery from community members who risked their lives to care for fallen neighbors, and of medical staff who rushed in to provide additional support to our nearby hospitals.

Officers from several law enforcement agencies, including our Lake Forest Police Department, worked together to take the suspect into custody yesterday evening. We are extremely grateful for the bravery and professionalism of our officers in helping to detain the suspect without incident. Can you imagine approaching that car? Our Lake Forest Police and Fire professionals must do this frequently, albeit without the national attention. They deserve our heartfelt thanks and support.

The pain of loss is overwhelming, and we all are very sad. But as we saw in our collective response yesterday - we will not let this horror define us. It will bring out the best in us – and bind us together as a community.

Now we begin the healing process. We stand alongside Highland Park and other surrounding communities that seek solace while mourning the loss of beloved community members.

As we grieve, we need to support each other. Please take time to check in with your loved ones and neighbors, recognize if they’re in need of support and provide that support to them. If you need additional support, a list of mental health resources is available below.

In the days and weeks ahead, may we all lean on each other to help cope in the aftermath of this unthinkable crime.

Mental Health Resources
 

Articles

Local In-Person Resources

Phone/Online Resources

  • Lake County 2-1-1
  • Lake County Text-a-Tip (Counselors on call 24/7)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline
  • The National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 for help coping with large traumatic events including mass shootings.
  • If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or in crisis, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • Text ‘TALK’ or ‘HABLAR’ to 552020 to reach Call4Calm 24/7 - You'll be linked to mental health support in your area.
  • NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm, Monday - Friday to speak with a trained volunteer.
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