Police are searching for a gunman who killed six people during a Fourth of July Independence Day Parade near Chicago

Residents are being urged to stay at home and contact their loved ones, 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.

The man has been described as white, aged 18-20, and police say he is “armed and dangerous”.

Authorities have now sectioned off a perimeter and recovered what they believe is “evidence of a firearm”.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill have released a statement saying they’re

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

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.”