At Least 5 People Are Confirmed Dead After A Car Plowed Through A Christmas Parade

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, turning deadly the celebratory scene and the parade's return after its cancellation in 2020.

Around midnight Sunday, city officials confirmed the number of deaths and injuries but said the figures could change because 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 killed were members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, the group confirmed Monday morning.

"Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness," the group, which only admits grandmothers, said in a statement posted to Facebook. "While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts."

On Monday, Citizen's Bank in Waukesha released a statement. A member of the bank who was walking in the parade with the Citizen's Bank float died from her injuries.

A priest with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee said multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among the injured.

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, police said. The FBI is assisting police with the investigation. Police have since identified the person taken into custody as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks. He faces five counts of intentional homicide.

Police said Brooks was involved in a disturbance prior to the deadly incident but said he was not being chased by police. Police also said there was no connection to domestic terrorism.

Victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance, squad car and by family members. As police investigated, a shelter-in-place order was issued for a time, and Carroll University went into lockdown.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Waukesha Christmas Parade Deaths: Person In Custody Identified
• 10 Kids In Intensive Care After Being Injured At Christmas Parade

Here is video of the city's 8 p.m. news 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 would remain closed overnight.

Main Street remained closed from Barstow and Main and to Wisconsin and Main and would 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, officials said.

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, in it 58th year, marked the official holiday kickoff in the community. Roads were closed in the afternoon in 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 had been 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 that 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."

Officials Comment

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, who was participating in the parade, released the following 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 and provided information for anyone looking for their family members.