Shootings sabotage July 4th festivities in Philadelphia and Chicago

Two police officers in Philadelphia have been shot during Independence day celebrations

Both officers are reportedly in a stable condition, and are searching for the shooter.

It comes as thousands were celebrating a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show.

The shooting sent crowds of people on the Parkway for the Welcome America concert and fireworks running.

Police say an officer assigned to the Montgomery County bomb squad was shot in the right shoulder. Another officer assigned to highway patrol suffered a graze wound to the head.

It marks the second reported incident of gun violence around Independence Day celebrations in the United States, after at least six were killed in a shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Illinois

Robert E Crimo has been taken into custody, the man police say is a person of interest in the Illinois shooting rampage.

Authorities say Crimo was spotted by a officer who attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The individual then fled before being apprehend shortly after in Lake Forest.

A gunman killed six people during a Fourth of July Independence Day Parade near Chicago… with authorities confirming 24 people are currently hospitalised.

The event was being held in the city of Highland Park… and was brought to a standstill after several gun shots were heard at around 10:00am local time.

It was scheduled to include floats, marching bands, and community entertainment… all forming part of the Independence Day festivities.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill have released a statement:

“shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community”.

the statement reads.

The President also touched on recent legislation to address gun violence, which he believes includes actions that will save lives, acknowledging there is “much more work to do.”