ROBERT CRIMO, who has been charged with seven counts of murder after opening fire on an independence day parade near the US city of Chicago on Monday, legally bought the high-powered rifle he used, police say.

The shooter bought five weapons lawfully despite authorities having been called to his home twice in 2019 responding to threats of suicide and violence against others.

On their second visit to his home that year, police seized a large knife collection and a sword after responding to reports that he had vowed to “kill everyone,” but this placed no obstacle in his way to buying more weaponry. He applied for and received a gun licence later the same year.

State police say “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger” based on the prior episodes that would indicate he was an unsuitable gun-owner.

Mr Crimo, whose lawyer says he will plead not guilty, injured scores in the shooting spree from the top of a tall building. The seventh victim died on Tuesday and nine are still in hospital.