On July 4th, as hundreds gathered to celebrate Independence Day, shots rang out at a parade in Highland Park, IL killing 6 and injuring 31. Chicago Suntimes reported that the victims range in age from 8 to 85. The suspect, a 22-year old male, was arrested by police after a brief chase.

A statement from local authorities can be viewed below:

This senseless act of violence on such a historic and renowned day of celebration is disgusting, and needs to be condemned — without also condemning law-abiding gun owners.

Illinois has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country which attempt to prevent devastating events such the Highland Park shooting. Unfortunately, a person planning to break the law by murdering innocent people at a parade, will likely not be deterred by breaking a few additional laws.

In fact, the city of Highland Park banned so-called “assault rifles” back in 2013, Chicago and Cook County also have laws banning specific rifles, according to WBEZ Chicago.

In a statement regarding the shooting, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, “all of us are vulnerable without a federal effort to take weapons of war out of the hands of civilians.” Many other lawmakers have called for additional gun control legislation in the state.

Illinois is one of many states with red flag laws, which allow relatives or those close to the firearm owner to report them for any behavior that they claim to be cause for suspicion. These laws were created to combat gun violence by allowing citizens (criteria varies by state) to file a petition with authorities to explain their cause for concern and make the case for firearm removal from the gun owner, without their knowledge. These laws can, at times, backfire, by means of abuse or by failing to prevent violence, as exampled by the recent shootings in Illinois and New York.

Gun Owners of America, a firearm safety and advocacy group, wrote the following regarding red flag laws:

” . . . red flag laws don’t require expert testimony, but only suspicion by unqualified individuals.”

“These laws authorize unannounced gun confiscations that are hazardous to both citizens and law enforcement officers.”

“Red flag laws are also dangerous because they pressure those who need mental health care to avoid seeking it for fear of having their guns confiscated . . . the Veterans Administration bans veterans from possessing firearms if the veterans merely admit that someone else manages their finances.”

Many Illinois state legislators have began calling for more of the same restrictions that failed to prevent this tragedy.

This unthinkable and heinous crime is one of many that has plagued the country this year, so stay vigilant America. Because the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun, is of course, a good guy with a gun.