From White House to Green Bay Packers, Support Sent To Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI — Reaction to Sunday’s Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy has been swift and wide-ranging, with condolences coming from the White House, the governor’s office, other government officials as well as the sports world.

Police are continuing to investigate the deadly incident in which at least five people were killed and 48 more people were injured when an SUV crashed through a barricade and into the parade route shortly after 4:30 p.m. A number of vigils are planned around Waukesha on Monday to remember those lost.

Within hours, reaction — at a local and national levels — began to express grief and horror over what happened in Waukesha.

The White House issued a statement Sunday night stating that it was monitoring the situation. The White House also said it has reached out to local government officials and is offering any assistance it can and said, “our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this terrible incident.” President Joe Biden is expected to receive regular updates from Waukesha, according to reports.

U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-5th District) wrote, "I’m praying for the safety of all those impacted by the senseless tragedy in Waukesha this evening. I continue to monitor the situation as full details come to light and I’m thankful for all the first responders who are answering the call for help."

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, called the violent scene "horrific" and "heartbreaking," and asked for people to keep the victims and their families in their prayers.

From Madison, Gov. Tony Evers referred to the incident as “senseless” and praised first responders for their efforts in acting quickly to help. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes tweeted Sunday night that his "heart is with Waukesha" and that his thoughts remains with the families of the victims who were either killed or injured in the aftermath "of this horrific tragedy."

Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wrote on Twitter that Waukesha is where his mother lives and said she was at the parade and saw the SUV drive by.

"My nieces used to be in the band and one of them marched that route before,” Walker wrote on Twitter. “All of our family is safe but we pray for those grieving tonight.”

In addition to government officials, the Green Bay Packers also issued a statement and called the incident “terrible and senseless”

“We share our condolences with those who lost loved ones,” the Packers wrote in the statement shared on the team’s Twitter feed. “As a statewide community, we must all come together to support each other in these difficult times.”

Former University of Wisconsin standout and NFL star J.J. Watt said in a tweet Sunday that he was horrified by the images coming out of the parade on Sunday. Watt, who attended high school at Pewaukee High School before he went on to star with the Badgers, expressed gratitude for first responders who arrived on scene during the aftermath of Sunday's tragedy.

Packers running back A.J. Dillon also shared his condolences with victims, writing simply, "I'm so sorry."

The defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks joined the Packers in expressing sorrow for what happened Sunday in Waukesha. The franchise said in a tweet it is "devastated and angry by the senseless act in Waukesha."

The statement continued, "What we witnessed today is beyond comprehension, so we encourage the Wisconsin community to support each other through this sad time."