A horrific incident occurred in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday when an SUV plowed through crowds of people attending a Christmas parade.
Update: The city of Waukesha’s Twitter page confirmed, “5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured,” as of midnight Central Standard Time.
At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody.
— cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) November 22, 2021
Update: Waukesha officials say they have transported 11 adults and 12 children to local hospitals. The city’s police chief, Daniel Thompson, said, “there were some fatalities” in the tragic incident.
"There were some fatalities:" Waukesha fire department officials say they have transported a total of 11 adults and 12 pediatric patients to area hospitals. pic.twitter.com/QzXBGlQAMF
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 22, 2021
The White House released a statement about the situation:
WH on #Waukesha: “The White House is closely monitoring the situation in Waukesha and our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this terrible incident. We have reached out to state and local officials to offer any support and assistance as needed.”
— Pat Ward (@WardDPatrick) November 22, 2021
Update: City and law enforcement officials confirmed during a news conference that a “person of interest” has been taken into custody, but no identity was given.
Update: The location of the vehicle allegedly involved has been found, according to reports.
Photos appear to show the red SUV involved in the Waukesha Holiday Parade incident. Follow updates here: https://t.co/sjcTvuk2Du pic.twitter.com/hfN0avE9Hp
— CBS 58 News (@CBS58) November 22, 2021
Update: There has been one confirmed death, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
Though details remain scarce as of this writing, according to WISN, the mass casualty incident occurred at 4:15 p.m. when the driver plowed over crowds of people at the Waukesha Christmas Parade, injuring dozens of people. Video of the moment has since gone viral:
TRIGGER WARNING: 🚨DISTURBING VIDEO🚨A viewer sent in horrifying video the moment a red SUV plowed through a crowd during the #Waukesha Holiday Parade. Its currently unclear how many people have been injured. Updates to come on @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/u6q10VgTJ1
— Taylor Lumpkin (@TaylorLumpkinTV) November 22, 2021
@lookner live video from waukesha pic.twitter.com/DyqO6XbuPu
— jordyn rayba (@jordyneraba) November 22, 2021
One particularly bone-chilling video showed the driver barreling through the street within inches of a dancing toddler:
Another video appeared to show gunfire barreling from the vehicle, though it was not exactly clear if it originated from someone in the crowd.
BREAKING: First video of a red Ford Escape breaking through barriers after mowing down parade goers and firing rifle into crowd in Waukesha, WI pic.twitter.com/QHDi2fsKDz
— David Kimball (@wxandnews) November 21, 2021
One witness told WISN that the driver hit the “Dancing Grannies,” where at least “one person flipped over the hood of the SUV.” The driver kept plowing and did not stop. One witnessed estimated that the vehicle was traveling at 40 mph.
Wisconsin treasurer candidate Angelito Tenorio, who attended the event, tweeted, “After my family, campaign manager, and I finished marching in the Waukesha Christmas Parade, we witnessed the horrifying incident at the parade. We are all safe. My thoughts are with the injured and their families, and my thanks go out to first responders for their quick actions.”
After my family, campaign manager, and I finished marching in the Waukesha Christmas Parade, we witnessed the horrifying incident at the parade. We are all safe. My thoughts are with the injured and their families, and my thanks go out to first responders for their quick actions.
— Angelito for Treasurer (@AngelitoForWI) November 21, 2021
As of this writing, the identity of the driver remains unknown and at large, with no indication as to whether or not the event was a terrorist attack or an accident.
At least 30 people have been reported injured with no current count on possible deaths.
Story cited here.