right now on "america this morning" -- the july 4th shooting near chicago. at least six people dead. a person of interest now in custody, what his family is saying and what the messages he apparently posted on social media reveal. plus, a witness describes hiding his son in dumpster as the gunfire erupted. and our law enforcement expert weighs in on why this kind of attack on a rooftop is so hard to prevent and what can be done in future. also this morning, one of the busiest travel days of the yearses as millions of americans head home from the holiday. what you can expect and the trouble spots when it comes to the weather. brittney griner's personal

plea to president biden. the wnba's star emotional handwritten letter describing her terrifying ordeal in a russian prison.isthnte crowds ae being banon mie. jo c forced to confront a protester at the annual hot dog eating contest. and the powerful display at our nation's capital. a solemn ceremony that will honor four patriots for their heroic service in vietnam. good tuesday morning, everyone. we begin with the july 4th celebration that ended in horror. >> a 22-year-old man is in custody after the mass shooting in the chicago suburb of highland park. six people were killed and more than two dozen people were injured when a gunman on a rooftop fired into the crowd at the annual independence day parade.

>> we're learning more about the victims who were enjoying the holiday with family and friends. disturbing social media posts linked to the person of interest. this morning, new details about the person of interest arrested in connection with the attack on a fourth of july parade near chicago. the uncle of 22-year-old robert crimo iii said he was with him the night before the shooting. he said he was abouting normally, describing him as a quiet kid. had no concerns about his behavior. abc news has reviewed social media posts apparently from crimo that depict violent and vivid images. >> it's a shooter. >> reporter: crimo was taken into custody last night after police spotted him in silver honda. >> the subject did flee, a brief pursuit went on, the subject was taken into custody without incident.

>> reporter: on monday morning, just ten minutes into an independence day parade in highland park, a hail of bullets rained down on the ground of hundreds. panicked families, some with young children, running for their lives. leaving strollers behind. >> this girl just fall and just died. we saw a few other people just get shot. >> reporter: parents racing their children into buildings. alexander sandoval decided to hide his son in a dumpster. to keep him safe from the barrage of bullets. >> when the shots stopped again is when we decided we had to run, started shooting again, we ran behind the building and i put my son in dumpster. >> reporter: the shooter opened fire from the roof of nearby business, gaining access from an insecure ally. and climbing a ladder. at least six people were killed,

36 were hospitalized and a child in critical condition. the victims between 8 and 85 years old. >> i came upon a scene i have never seen in my life, of bloody people, i almost started to cry and i just felt sick to my stomach. it was just carnage and horrific. >> reporter: the victims include nicholas toledo who was watching from a wheelchair when he was hit by multiple bullets. a dual citizen, toledo had just moved back to highland park from his native mexico. his family saying they brought him back to give him a better life. a local synagogue said a beloved staff member who once taught preschool at the temple was killed in the attack. >> it's devastating a that celebration of america was ripped apart by our uniquely american plague. i'm furious because it doesn't have to be this way. as we celebrate the fourth of

july just once a year, mass shootings have become our weekly american tradition. >> reporter: crimo is still being treated as a person of interest. his father is well known to the community. after running for mayor in 2019. let's get right to the response from washington where authorities have been warning about attacks just like that. em nguyen has more. em, good morning. >> reporter: the white house is reacting as we see a nation very much on edge given the several mass shootings in recent weeks. >> i just want to keep, just a slight moment of silence. >> reporter: during july 4th celebrations at the white house president biden holding a moment of silence for the victims. in chicago, a less somber mood with some politicians expressing outrage, some calling for tighter gun control. >> the last time i heard a weapon with that capacity on a

fourth of july was iraq,t was t the united states of america.we can and we should anl do better. >> reporter: the attack left many attending fourth of july celebrations last night on edgee kind o show caused these spectators to panic and flee, minor injuries are reported. no evidence of a shooting. the frayed nerves come as federal law enforcement officials warn about increased potential of violent. >> a heightened threat environment. a bulletin was blunt saying in the coming months we expect. >> reporter: the difficulty of preventing attacks from high above public events. the highland shooter firing from a rooftop. similar to the las vegas massacre in 2017.

experts say the answer may be drones, which police can use to patrol the top of buildings . >> the drone technology is key here. we also need to help business owners, stores, the hotels, that type of thing, to let us know if they have something going on wrong. >> reporter: the chief says it appears the highland park attack was well planned given how the shooter knew the alleyway and the ladder needed to access the roof top. andrew. >> more details to come. em, thank you. angry of the shooting of black man has led to a state of emergency has been declared after demonstrators damaged buildings following the release of body camera footage. walker was not armed when he was shot last week after a traffic stop led to a police chase, the medical examiner said that walker suffered at least 60 wounds. eight officers are now on leave.

after a weekend of travel chaos, holiday travelers might be looking to go back to their workday commutes. more than 1400 flights were cancelled from friday to sunday. southwest and american had the most issues. weather caused some of that chaos, including a storm system that dropped up to eight inches of rain in southern arkansas, people had to be rescued from their stranded cars. and there was more flash flooding in montana, people in this restaurant were holding the doors closed as water rushed down the street. we'll have today's forecast in just a few minutes. now to an emotional and very personal plea from brittney griner directly to president biden. asking for his help freeing her and the other americans detained in russia. this morning, the letter from wnba star brittney griner to president biden has arrived at the white house. she writes, as i sit here in a russian prison, alone with my thoughts, without the protection of my wife, family, friends, olympic jersey, or any

accomplishments, i'm terrified i might be here forever. griner's team said the full content of the hndwritten letter is for president biden's eyes only. in the note, she said independence day has a new meaning for her. since being detained in russia on drug charges in february. on the fourth of july, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who's a vietnam war veteran. it hurts thinking about how i usually celebrate this day. because freedom means something completely different this year. i realize you're dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other american detainees. the white house says it continues to work aggressively to bring griner home. her trial sunday way in moscow. legal experts believe she'll face up to ten years in a penal colony. but in recent days russia has said it might be interested in a prison swap for griner. that potential swap could include russian arms dealer viktor bout who made a fortune

selling weapons. bout's lawyer told "the new york times" my sense of this is that no american is going home unless viktor bout is sent home with them. time now for a look at your tuesday weather. good morning. on your back-to-work tuesday you could have some travel headaches across the ohio valley, between chicago and pittsburgh, cleveland to cincinnati, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, there could be delays in the air and on the ground. the same story from chicago to minneapolis, today and tonight, severe weather could break out impeding your travel and there will be rounds of storms for the next couple of days, from the northern plains to the ohio valley as the heat builds in our nation's midsection. i'm accuweather meteorologist kevin coskren.

coming up, the breakfast cereal battle over how much sugar is too much. the rivalry intensifies. how florida governor ron desantis is lashing out at california governor gavin newsom. later, joey chestnut confronts a

bad weather has temporarily halted search for more than ai dozen hikers missing after glazier collapsed in italian alps, at least seven died. unusually high temperatures contributing to the glacier breaking apart. manhunt under way after two police officers were shot in july 4th celebrations in

philadelphia. highway patrol officer and bomb squad officers were released from the hospital. small wildfire likely caused by july 4th fireworks. evacuation orders have been lifted but residents told to be ready to leave. governor gavin newsom is getting sharp responses from tv ad accusing ron desantis and allies on leading attack on personal freedom that aired on fox news. desantis dismissed the ad, calling it desperate attempt to win back refugees who fled the hellhole of california to go to florida. kellogg lost legal battle in uk. failed to block new regulations to ban nonhealthy foods from high profile locations in

supermarkets. high court rejected argument that adding milk to cereals like frosted flakes makes it more nutritious. vietnam veterans receiving vietnam veterans receiving honors today. like pulsing, electric shocks, sharp, stabbing pains, or an intense burning sensation. what is this nightmare? it's how some people describe... shingles. a painful, blistering rash that could interrupt your life for weeks. forget social events and weekend getaways. if you've had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already inside of you. if you're 50 years or older ask your doctor or pharmacist about shingles.

it takes energy to take on the world.■ so whether you■re breaking a sweat, breaking down barriers, or breaking the laws of gravity, keep moving with the ultimate energy bar. we bake in delicious, wholesome ingredients, purposefully crafted with a blend of protein,■fat and carbs. because the more good you put in, the more great you get out. clif. baked in goodness. now introducing clif thins. a crispy, craveable 100-calorie snack. when you can't sleep... try zzzquil pure zzz's gummies. they help you fall asleep naturally with an optimal dose of melatonin. and a complementary botanical blend. so you can wake up refreshed. for better sleep, like never before.

are you tired of washing dishes? well flip the way you clean'em. so you can wake up refreshed. introducing dawn platinum ez-squeeze. it's a new, upside-down bottle... with no cap. you just grab and squeeze. platinum's upgraded, more powerful formula breaks down and removes grease 4 times faster. nice! no flip, no mess. platinum is also a go-to grease cleaner for your sink, your countertops, and to pre-treat stains on laundry. faster. easier. new dawn platinum ez-squeeze. flip the way you clean dishes. back now with a scene in washington last night. fireworks lightig up night sky over the u.s. capitol.

in washington true patriots will be honored for service to the country. >> president biden to award medal of honor to four veterans for heroism in vietnam. including dwight birdwell who got commander to safety. first native american awarded for service in any conflict since 1973. and specialist who survived crash landing and still managed to administer first aid. and major john duffy was wounded twice and refused to evacuate until the enemy could be subdued. >> each of the awards are appreciated, recognizing your endeavors. your duty that you've done. >> what a way to celebrate the fourth, save my fellow servicemen, makes me feel good i was able to save people, and

brings honor to the cherokee people. >> staff sergeant also honored, killed in vietnam in 1967. one year earlier cleared way for his platoon to withdraw in an attack. lifeguard on long island sharing a frightening encounter with a shark. >> feel a sharp pain in my hand. pull my hand in, i felt something still there. >> reporter: veteran lifeguard in the middle of training exercise, pretending to be a victim in the water, when he became a real one. >> survival mode kicked in, started punching down, felt the rubber texture of the body of a shark. it is ironic i was playing a victim and then became a victim. but yeah, just grateful that i was surrounded by professionals and people trained to handle

emergency situations. >> gallo suffered minor wounds on hand and chest. not in florida where 17-year-old was fishing with her brother and said a shark barrelled toward her. >> latches on to my leg. i look and it's big old shark, grabbed me again. i was like that's not supposed to happen. sharks only bite once, not multiple times. that's weird. >> reporter: brother fought off the shark. >> trying to separate them. he kept coming, i grabbed her and swam backwards and kicked him and yelled for help. >> madison was airlifted to hospital in tallahassee, awaiting third surgery. forget hot dogs, winner of lemonade chugging welcome to allstate where the safer you drive, the more you save like rachel here

how am i looking? looking good! the most cautious driver we got am i there? no keep going how's that? i'll say when now? is that good? lots of cars have backup cameras now you know those are for amateurs there we go like a glove, girl (phone chimes) safe driving and drivewise can save you 40% with allstate click or call for a quote today [sfx: stomach gurgling] it's nothing... sounds like something. ♪ when you have nausea, heartburn, indigestion, ♪ ♪ upset stomach, diarrhea. ♪ pepto bismol coats and soothes for fast relief... when you need it most. i'm amber, i've lost 128 pounds with golo, taking release. pepto bismol coats and soothes for fast relief... i have literally tried everything. i was on the verge of getting gastric bypass surgery, and i saw the golo commercial, and it was the last thing i tried 'cause it worked.

to help prevent bleeding gums, try saying hello gumwash with parodontax active gum health. it kills 99% of plaque bacteria and forms an antibacterial shield. try parodontax active gum health mouthwash. the day of the heart attack, i was scared. i didn't know what to do. learning that my daughter had a heart attack really shook me. it brings home how important it is to hold on to the people we love and the things that matter to us. aspirin helps reduce the chance of another heart attack by 31%. your heart isn't just yours. aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.

time to check the pulse. starting with another title for joey chestnut. >> annual hot dog eating contest in coney island wasn't even close. devouring 63 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes, well short of record of 76, still 15th victory in the contest. >> also helped take down a protester wearing a darth vader mask and carrying a headlock. >> not all about hot dogs, new record holder for lemonade chugging. booker downed it under 30 seconds, 6'5", 400 pounds. next, "minions" is breaking box office records but part of

the success may be thanks to meme. >> groups of stateenagers showi up to theaters in suits. gone viral on tiktok. >> but theaters banning the groups thanks to bad behavior. director james cameron doesn't want to hear complaints that "avatar" sequel is two long. >> he's making it clear that "avatar: the way of water" will have a long run time. said i don't want anybody complaining about length when they binge tv for eight hours. this squirrel chowed down on ice cream cone, another squirrel

took the cone, i could've waited to tell my doctor my heart was racing just making spaghetti... but i didn't wait. i could've delayed telling my doctor i was short of breath just reading a book... but i didn't wait. they told their doctors. and found out they had... atrial fibrillation. a condition which makes it about five times more likely to have a stroke. if you have one or more of these symptoms irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your doctor. this is no time to wait. lisa here, has had many jobs. and all that experience has led her to a job that feels like home. with home instead, you too can become a caregiver to older adults. apply today. these targeted ads are getting really creepy. it's almost like skittles is listening in on our conversation.

game the rainbow, taste the rainbow. game the rainbow, nurse mariyam sabo knows a moment this pure... ...demands a lotion this pure. new gold bond pure moisture lotion. 24-hour hydration. no parabens, dyes, or fragrances. gold bond. champion your skin. just between us, cleaning with a mop and bucket is such a hassle. well i switched to swiffer wet jet and it's awesome. it's an all-in-one that absorbs dirt and grime deep inside. and it helps prevent streaks and haze. stop cleaning. start swiffering from prom dresses to workouts and new adventures you hope the more you give the less they'll miss. but even if your teen was vaccinated against meningitis in the past they may be missing vaccination for meningitis b. although uncommon, up to 1 in 5 survivors of meningitis will have long term consequences. now as you're thinking about all the vaccines your teen might need make sure you ask your doctor if your teen is missing meningitis b vaccination.

this fourth of july, brighten your home. with hgtv home by sherwin williams paints and cabot exterior stains. get $10 off 1-gallon cans or $40 off 5-gallon pails.

just in time for the season.

building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions. this is abc 7 news. >> a person of interest now in custody after a shooting near chicago. what we are learning this morning. kumasi: it is a busy night for firefighters across the bay area. the one county that responded to dozens of fires over the holiday weekend and many reggie: of those caused by fireworks. reggie:? a home catches by -- catches fire by the south bay. how fireman helps get them out to safety. kumasi: it tuesday, july 5. drew: we will find muggy conditions continuing for the day ahead. a little bit of fog. right now, visibility on live doppler 7, you can see half moon bay. we are down to a half mile. some drizzle elsewhere. we are doing just fine when it comes to visibility. it is a mild morning. we are in the middle to upper 60's right now. combine that with humid conditions, it does feel quite muggy this morning. we will keep those temperatures on the mild side later this afternoon.

as