The father of the Highland Park shooter could also face criminal charges after he reportedly sponsored his son’s application to purchase guns even though police were called when the teen threatened to ‘kill everyone’ with his knife collection.
According to reports, Robert ‘Bobby’ Crimo bought five weapons in 2020 and 2021, including the rifle he used during the fourth of July massacre that took the lives of eight paradegoers.
Police records show that officers were called to the gunman’s home numerous times from 2010 to 2014, with most incidents involving allegations of physical or verbal altercations between the shooter’s parents.
Crimo was 19 years old when he applied for firearm owner’s identification card (FOID).
Under Illinois law, an individual over 18 but under 21 can be granted FOID only with parental agreement. The parent agrees to be held liable for ‘any damages’ caused by the applicant’s use of weapons.
In December 2019, Bob Crimo signed the form despite authorities being called to their home twice because his son threatened to kill everyone. State police even classed him as a ‘clear and present danger.’
State police director Brendan Kelly said: “There’s probably going to be civil litigation. There is ongoing criminal prosecution and criminal investigation.
“Issues of culpability, liability, who may have responsibility in certain circumstances, are all part and parcel of that process.”
Kelly continued: “Making a conclusionary statement, the Illinois State Police, weighing in on that, is not appropriate.”
Speaking to CNN, Eric Rinehart said that Crimo’s filing of the application would not necessarily lead to criminal charges but other potential charges are being explored.
Stephen Blandin, an attorney who represented the families of the victims, said: “If the state doesn’t press charges, then they’re admitting that whole statute is a sham.”
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