HIGHLAND PARK (Ill.) -- A gunman shot an 8-year-old boy in the chest at a Fourth of July parade and killed seven others, leaving many others wounded, a family spokesperson stated Thursday.
Cooper Roberts was there Monday's holiday party with Luke Roberts, his twin brother, and their parents, when shots erupted. Anthony Loizzi, a family friend, said at a news conference that Anthony Loizzi had spoken at the news conference.
Loizzi stated that Cooper was shot in the chest. He also suffered serious injuries, including a severed spine cord.
Cooper, a Milwaukee Brewers fan and baseball enthusiast, was placed on Thursday in critical but stable condition at Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago.
Loizzi stated that Cooper's mother Keely Roberts was also shot and that Luke, his twin brother, sustained shrapnel injuries.
Loizzi stated that Keely Roberts was shot in the leg and foot as a superintendent at Zion Elementary Schools District 6. Two operations were performed on her and she was released Wednesday to be with Cooper.
Loizzi also stated that Luke was released from the hospital.
Cooper, who underwent surgery Wednesday to close his stomach, will never be able to walk again, but he is showing strength, something he shares with mother.
Loizzi stated that Cooper is a fighter and Cooper must have that part of him because he fights as hard as possible.
Fundraising efforts are underway to support Cooper's treatment and medical costs.
Loizzi stated that the Roberts family was "devastated", but still finds strength in one another. Cooper is one of six siblings.
He said, "They're focusing their energy on Cooper right now."
