Waukesha Christmas Parade: 5 Dead As SUV Plows Into Crowd

Waukesha WI

21 November, 2021

6:07 PM

Description

WAUKESHA, WI — At least five people were killed and more than 40 injured when an SUV plowed through groups marching in the Waukesha Christmas parade Sunday, officials said. Around midnight Sunday, city officials confirmed the number of deaths and injuries but said the figures could change as several people took themselves to the hospital. "The community mourns the loss of our community members and those injured," the city said in a statement. "We are asking for the community to come together during this time and to keep the families in your prayers." Among those injured was a priest with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic school children. Members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies group were "impacted" but further details were not immediately available. Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson said a red SUV drove westbound into the parade, striking people, at 4:39 p.m. on Main Street. A Waukesha police officer fired his gun at the SUV in an attempt to stop it, Thompson said. Police found the SUV and a person of interest was taken into custody. The FBI is assisting police with the investigation. The victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance, squad car and by family members. As police investigated, a shelter in place order was issued and Carroll University went into lockdown. Here is video of the city's 8 p.m. press conference. The city was livestreaming Sunday's parade. Video showed a red SUV driving through barriers and speeding into the parade, followed by several police cars. Screaming could be heard on the livestream. The video has since been removed from Facebook. "Today we experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy," Mayor Shawn Reilly said at a Sunday news conference. "I walked in the parade at the beginning, I saw the happy children sitting on the curb. I saw the happy parents behind their children. I can still see the smiling faces. A parade is a celebration for our community. Today, our community faced horror and tragedy in what should have been a community celebration. I'm deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to a parade but ended up dealing with injury and heartache." The city advised residents that roads in the area will remain closed overnight. Stay away from the scene. Roads will remain closed at least overnight. If you need access to your home for pets or medications, you can park in lot #12 (where the Farmers Market is held). Go to the clock tower and show proper identification. Officer will escort you to your home.— cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) November 22, 2021 Main Street is closed from Barstow and Main and to Wisconsin and Main and will not reopen before midday Monday. The city said businesses in the area should stay closed. Any items for a temporary memorial — when the area reopens — should be placed at Veterans Park. School is canceled at all School District of Waukesha buildings Monday. Reilly and the authorities thanked all those who sprang into action to provide health and comfort to the injured. The parade, which is in it 58th year, marked the official holiday kickoff in the community. Roads were closed in the afternoon for preparation and the parade kicked off at 4 p.m. at Main Street and Whiterock Avenue. Nearly 70 local groups, organizations and departments were listed as part of the official lineup. The parade was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he heard his daughter's dance team was struck and he ran to the scene. "There were pom-poms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere," Montiho told the paper. "I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter. My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray. My family is safe but many are not." The Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team said it was checking on the safety of its group members and asked the public to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. The Catholic Community of Waukesha posted comments on social media indicating several parishioners were injured. "Thank you all for your prayers and offers of help. We have confirmed that several parishioners have been injured and are hospitalized. Despite this horrific event, we will call on the Holy Spirit and come together as a community with Fr. Matthew and Fr. Chuck leading the Rosary tonight (8:30 p.m.) on Facebook. Please join us to pray for those who were injured. A prayer service is being planned for tomorrow night. We will continue to update you as we know more." The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies also confirmed members were impacted. "Thank you for your concern about the MIlwaukee Dancing Grannies. Members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions. Please keep the Grannies, all those injured, and all those who witnessed this horrible event in your thoughts and prayers. Officials Comment Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow was participating in the parade. He released a statement: "I had just finished participating in the parade with my wife when I noticed police sirens. Shortly afterward, I learned that a vehicle drove through the parade route injuring many people. Right now, we are still learning about what happened. This is an active investigation, and all updates tonight will come from our law enforcement partners. I have been in contact with Mayor Reilly and offered any resources the county could provide. I have also spoken with the Governor who offers his prayers and assistance. This is an unspeakable tragedy, affecting us all as we work to overcome an extremely challenging two years and resume our cherished holiday traditions. Keep the families affected in your thoughts as we work to offer whatever support we can." Gov. Tony Evers released a statement on Twitter. "Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act. I'm grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information." City officials announced that counseling services are available. There is a Family Reception Center at Waukesha South. If you are looking for family members and live out of town, please call 262-548-7122. Counseling services are also available at Waukesha South. 1pm tomorrow, Monday, November 22nd will be our next Press Conference.— cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) November 22, 2021