Highland Park July 4th parade shooting suspect entered synagogue near massacre in April, seemed ‘out of place’

The suspect shooter in the shooting at Highland Park’s July 4th Parade mass shooting, Illinois, was found in a synagogue in April during Passover. He left soon after being seen by security guards. 

He entered the synagogue wearing a yarmulke, but he seemed out of place. “Upon his arrival, he was greeted and escorted by our security team which includes off-duty officers and licensed and trained congregants who watched him throughout,” Rabbi Yosef Schafnowitz, North Suburban Lubavitch Chabad, wrote on Tuesday. He was gone within a few minutes.

Separately, Rabbi Schanowitz said to Israel National News that he had asked the suspect, 21 year-old Robert Crimo III to leave the synagogue. 

Rabbi Schanowitz stated that “we have an armed security officer sitting in front,” according to Israel National News. “I approached him, and asked him to move as he was not part of our community.

Fox News Digital’s Rabbi said Tuesday that authorities had asked him not discuss the incident. 

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The Central Avenue Synagogue is just blocks from the scene of the shooting. They had planned to participate in the July Fourth parade with a huge menorah on a Chabad-float. 

“To the shock and horror of the entire country evil was unleashed on our beloved community, and the celebration of America’s freedom quickly turned into tragedy,” Rabbi Schanowitz wrote Tuesday. 

Just minutes into the parade, seven people were killed and over a dozen more injured when a gunman opened fire from a roof. 

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Unlicensed, “high-powered” rifle was found on the scene. Christopher Covelli, spokesperson for Lake County Major Crime Task Force said that Crimo fled wearing women’s clothing to hide his facial tattoos. 

Eight hours later, he was arrested after a police officer noticed the vehicle he was driving. 

Crimo (known as “Awake” the Rapper) allegedly planned the attack for many weeks and left disturbing social media footprints that include depictions of mass shootings in music videos. 

Authorities have yet to release a motive. 

Ashley Papa from Fox News contributed to this report.