The police said they are investigating the father of the Highland Park gunman, Robert Camino Jr., for signing an affidavit supporting his son's application for a gun license in 2019. His son, Robert "Bobby" Crimo III, is suspected of killing seven people at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park.
As per The Guardian, Crimo Jr. denied any responsibility for the attack as he had no clue or a warning of what would happen. The father signed an affidavit that allowed his son to apply for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card, a requirement in Illinois to purchase firearms or ammunition.
The younger Crimo was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder after he confessed to Monday morning's parade massacre. As per Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, more charges are expected.
Illinois Police to investigate the suspect's father
In Illinois, an individual can independently obtain a FOID when they reach the age of 21. Anyone under 21 can apply for a FOID with the written consent of a parent or guardian who is allowed to get a FOID card themselves. Giving the underage a consent form makes the parent or guardian liable for any damages from the minor applicant's use of firearms or ammunition.
Illinois State Police confirmed on Wednesday that Crimo Jr. signed his son's application in December 2019 despite having two previous encounters with the local police. NBC reported that Crimo III attempted suicide by machete in April 2019. In September 2019, authorities disclosed an incident where his son allegedly threatened violence. Police in Highland Park confiscated 16 knives, a dagger, and a sword from the suspect's home after a family member called them after Crimo III threatened to kill everyone.
Illinois State Police reviewed the license application and admitted that they did not see any reason to deny it because the 21-year-old had no record of arrests, serious mental health problems, or protection orders that would disqualify him.
Not a danger to anyone
According to ABC News, the father never saw his son as a danger to anyone. When asked about Crimo III threatening violence against family members in 2019, the father said it was taken out of context. He compared it to a child's outburst with whatever he was upset about, and his sister called the police, clarifying that he was not living there. The father also said that the police removed his son's knife collection from the home after he asked if there were any weapons in the house. The authorities did not open a criminal investigation.
He said he signed the consent form to allow his son to go through the process that the Illinois State Police have in place for an individual to obtain a FOID card. The process, he added, involved background checks and whatever that entails.
Crimo III was subsequently arrested after his gun was tracked with the help of a gun dealer. He confirmed that he did not have a lawyer and was being represented by a public defender. The judge, Theodore Potkonjak, ruled that he be held without bail as he poses "a specific and present threat to the community."
