Highland Park Parade Shooting Survivor Cooper Roberts Continues Recovery Two Years Later

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) — The mother of the youngest victim of the 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting said her family will not attend this year's parade, but is continuing their journey toward healing two years later.

Cooper Robertsnow 10, was paralyzed from the waist down after his spinal cord was severed by a bullet. His twin brother, Luke, was injured by shrapnel.

Roberts' mother, Keely, who was also injured in the shooting, spoke about how her family is recovering and said she would not attend Thursday's parade.

“My family and I will not be attending the parade this year. Honestly, I don’t know if we will ever be able to attend a parade again,” she said.

She noted that it had been 730 days since Cooper had been able to chase his brother around their yard, climb on playground equipment at a park, play on his soccer team or jump on his bed.

Keely said Cooper still struggles with physical therapy, but has joined adaptive sports teams. She also explained how the shooting affected family members who weren't injured and how they're working together to cope with the trauma.

“Physically, you're left with a constant reminder that you're not physically the same person you were before,” she said.

She said the outpouring of support for her family has been greater than she ever imagined.

“Even though this dark evil has been so damaging and hurtful in our lives, it is balanced, if not surpassed, by goodness, light and love,” she said.

Keely said it was tough last week when the Accused shooter expected to change plea guilty but didn't do it.

Instead of attending the parade, Keely said her family plans to leave town to celebrate the holiday together.

Thursday will mark two years since the shooting that took place Seven people killed and 48 injured.

The parade will return following a different route.

A memorial ceremony will also be held.