Four people were tragically killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday in and around Rockford, Illinois, in what has been described as a “random and senseless act of violence” by the city’s mayor.
Some of the victims, including a woman who was fleeing a home invasion in Winnebago County and a man who came to her aid, were stabbed, according to officials.
A 22-year-old man has been taken into custody by the police, with authorities confirming that they are not seeking any other suspects involved in the violent incidents that took place at multiple locations in Rockford and the surrounding area shortly after 1 p.m. NBC Chicago has identified the suspect as Christian Soto.
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd expressed her shock at the situation, calling the suspect’s actions “heinous crimes.”
The surviving victims are currently being treated at various hospitals, with one in critical condition and four others in stable condition after being attacked and stabbed by the perpetrator, as per the Rockford Police Department.
The OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford continues to care for three patients, two of whom are in fair condition and one in critical condition.
While authorities have not released the identities of the deceased, they have identified them as a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man.
The motives behind the violence remain unclear, with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and other officials extending their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Law enforcement agencies are urging residents to provide any surveillance footage that may assist in the investigation. Emotional support and counseling services are being offered at Flinn Middle School for those affected by the tragedy.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has pledged his support to Mayor McNamara and the city of Rockford during this difficult time.
This devastating incident has left the community of Rockford, located approximately 60 miles northwest of Chicago, reeling from the senseless violence that has occurred.