Title
Resolution extending the declaration of a local disaster due to the mass murder and injuries that occurred at the deadly shooting event on July 4, 2022 in Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, until August 9, 2022.
Staff Summary
• At approximately 10:15 a.m., on July 4, 2022, a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, killing seven people, wounding at least 30 people, and causing hundreds to flee in terror.
• Lake County Government resources have been responding and supporting Highland Park since initial notification of the shooting.
• On July 5, 2022, Illinois’ State Governor announced a state of emergency decree in response to the mass shooting event.
• Lake County has been greatly impacted by this deadly and traumatizing event and significant resources will be required to support Lake County residents and municipalities through long-term recovery efforts.
• On July 8, 2022 the Lake County Board Chair responded to this situation by declaring that a disaster exists within Lake County, Illinois.
• This resolution further extends the declaration until August 9, 2022, so that Lake County, by and through its Emergency Management Agency may continue to coordinate county and municipal resources and response activities. It suspends certain provisions and procedures for the conduct of county business in an effort to provide emergency assistance pursuant to Illinois law.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, at approximately 10:15 a.m., on July 4, 2022, a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, killing seven people, wounding at least 30 people, and causing hundreds to flee in terror; and
WHEREAS, more than 100 law enforcement officers ran toward the gunshots, protecting and helping people to safety, and immediately began to search for the suspected shooter; and
WHEREAS, after a coordinated effort by the Highland Park Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, police departments from numerous surrounding communities, Illinois State Police and federal law enforcement, police apprehended a person of interest in the evening on July 4, 2022, and the mass shooting remains under investigation; and
WHEREAS, the families of the seven murder victims are devastated by loss and dozens of individuals who are struggling to overcome terrible injuries; and
WHEREAS, many who attended the parade live in Highland Park and surrounding communities and have been traumatized by the evil that ripped apart a peaceful celebration; and
WHEREAS, efforts to recover from this mass murder and deadly shooting event are ongoing, and the healing process for the trauma inflicted by this tragic event will require significant time and resources; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross and the Lake County Health Department have been contacted to help provide mental health counseling and other support for victims, their loved ones, and many who fled the violence at the parade, as well as others who were affected by this violent incident; and
WHEREAS, many other state and local government agencies, volunteer organizations, and community-based organizations stand ready to assist with the recovery and healing processes; and
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing facts, the current circumstances in Lake County, including the loss of life and injury to numerous individuals, constitute a disaster as provided in Section 4 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act; and
WHEREAS, these conditions provide legal justification under Section 11 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act for the issuance of a declaration of disaster; and
WHEREAS, additional emergency procedures and protocols may need to be implemented to facilitate decision making across the County and allow expedited procurement should it be necessary; and
WHEREAS, the County may require resources and this emergency may exceed the County's available personnel and financial resources, and therefore funding and resources from the State and/or Federal Government may be necessary to mitigate the disaster; and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2022 the Lake County Board Chair responded to this situation by declaring that a disaster exists within Lake County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, it is expected that the conditions will be present for an extended period of time such that it is necessary to continue the declaration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, pursuant to the Lake County Code of Ordinances Title III § 32.07, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/11, declares that a local disaster exists within Lake County, Illinois and it is expected that the conditions will be present for an extended period of time such that it is necessary to continue this declaration beyond the original seven (7) days; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution extending the declaration of local disaster is approved and in effect until August 9, 2022, unless further extended by the Lake County Board.
DATED, at Waukegan, Illinois, on July 12, 2022.