Illinois man pleads guilty to 2022 Highland Park mass shooting

An Illinois man has pleaded guilty to a deadly shooting at a 2022 Independence Day parade in a Chicago suburb that killed seven and injured dozens.

It is a surprise reversal for Robert Crimo III, who previously pleaded not guilty to first degree murder and attempted murder charges.

Crimo, 23, entered his guilty plea on Monday moments before opening arguments were due to begin in his trial.

He is accused of shooting at celebrating crowds from a roof in downtown Highland Park, about 30 miles (50 kilometres) north of Chicago.