Police said a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were killed, but their identities have not been released. Five other people are being treated in hospital with “serious injuries”.
“This is a very active, multi-level, multi-agency investigation with a tremendous amount of moving parts,” it said in a statement. “As with any investigation, further details and charges may be revealed at a later date.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed in a statement Thursday that a mail carrier was killed in the attack. “As this is an ongoing investigation, there are no additional details we can provide at this time. Postal Inspectors are working with the Rockford Police Department on this investigation,” the department said in a statement.
Police appealed to local residents to check security footage and contact them if they have any information.
Local faith leaders and government officials announced late Wednesday that a vigil would be held at 2:30 p.m. local time on Thursday to “support loved ones, families and neighbors” following the “violent attack.” .
“It is difficult to understand how something like this could happen and how emotional and raw the community is,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement. “This week has been one of the most difficult weeks in my seven years as mayor. As a father, son, husband, mayor, and supporter of Rockford, I want to thank those who lost their lives, their families, and… My heart breaks for our community.”
McNamara called the situation a “huge blow” for the community of about 147,000 people, located about 130 miles northwest of Chicago and about 15 miles south of the Wisconsin state line. “The sadness, anger, disappointment and loss that so many people are feeling is real,” he said, adding that the city partnered with public schools and nonprofit organizations this week to provide free counseling services. “Let's lift each other up and become stronger.”
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd Said Reporters said Wednesday that what had been committed was a “heinous crime,” adding that “no clear motive is known at this time.” He said one of the five injured was in critical condition.
“There was basically a home invasion,” Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana told reporters at the same news conference. He said “a young woman ran away from him and sustained stab wounds to her hand and her face”. Her good Samaritan tried to help her and was stabbed, but the sheriff said the person was “okay.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (Democrat) tweeted He said he was “monitoring the situation in Rockford” and “thank the first responders who were on scene.” As we await further information, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. ”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) Said She said: “We were appalled to learn of this senseless attack. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those we lost, the survivors, and the entire Rockford community.”
