Trump-backed Illinois candidate says ‘let’s move on’ just hours after parade shooting
Republican senator Darren Bailey is being backed by ex-president Donald Trump
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hours after a mass shooting at a 4 July parade in Illinois left six people dead and dozens of others injured, state senator Darren Bailey asked Americans to move on and celebrate.
The Republican lawmaker said in a statement: “Let’s move on and celebrate the independence of this nation,” reported The Daily Beast.
“We have got to get corruption and evil out of our government.”
Mr Bailey is being backed by former president Donald Trump in the race for Illinois governor.
Mr Bailey who was speaking on a Facebook live from Skokie, a village around 20 minutes from Highland Park where the shooting took place, also praised law enforcement officials.
“They’ve done an amazing job. There’s a lot of confusion and frustration that the parade’s being cancelled but they did the right thing because people’s safety has got to come first,” he was quoted as saying by Vice.
Mr Bailey ended his condolence prayers with a call for celebrations again.
“Bless us and protect us as we go about our day celebrating the most amazing country,” he said.
On Monday morning gunfire erupted at a fourth of July parade in downtown Highland Park around 10 minutes after Independence Day celebrations kicked off.
Mr Crimo was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder on Tuesday.
After facing backlash for his comments, Mr Bailey issued an apology.
“I apologise if in any way we diminished the pain being felt across our state today,” he said through a spokesperson to The Daily Beast.
“I hope we can all come together in prayer and action to address rampant crime and mental heath issues to make sure these horrific tragedies don’t happen again.”
Meanwhile, incumbent Illinois governor JB Pritzker highlighted the need for stricter gun laws after the shooting.
“Yes, I’m angry. We as a nation deserve better. Let us pray for the injured and those who are still in the hospital tonight. And may the memory of those we lost today be a blessing and a call to action,” he was quoted as saying to reporters.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments