Family of 8-year-old paralyzed in July 4th attack says he faces daily pain and anguish
When school starts next week, Cooper Roberts won’t be able to attend.
When school starts next week, Cooper Roberts won’t be able to attend. Cooper, 8, who was paralyzed in the deadly attack on a Fourth of July parade in Illinois, will instead continue to face an anguished recovery.
In a post Tuesday, the latest in a series of biweekly updates, Cooper's family shared the latest information about his progress and the truth about his injuries and the difficult road ahead.
“There are layers upon layers of cruelty with being shot by a sniper,” the family said in Tuesday’s update. “Most people don’t witness the grueling aftermath of surviving these devastating wounds, physical and emotional. We want people to know the unvarnished reality.”
Cooper was paralyzed from the waist down when a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in Highland Park from a nearby rooftop. He may never walk again, his family said in an initial update.
Authorities said the gunman used a semi-automatic rifle similar to the developed-for-battle AR-15, killing seven people and wounding 48 others. Cooper was there to see the parade with family when a round entered his abdomen and severed his spine, his parents have said.
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