A “person of interest” is in custody following the incident.
A Christmas parade in Wisconsin turned tragic on Sunday night (21 November) when an SUV sped through barriers and into the crowd, killing five people and injuring 40.
The car struck paraders during the annual Christmas parade in Waukesha in Milwaukee.
In videos captured by onlookers and by livestream, a red SUV can be seen driving through the crowd from behind the parade without stopping.
The city of Waukesha confirmed the fatalities in a tweet, warning that the number could change.
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
“At this time, we can confirm that five people are deceased and over 40 are injured”, they wrote.
“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.”
Attorney General for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Josh Kaul described the event as a “devastating incident”, and thanked police, first responders, healthcare workers and others that assisted in helping those affected.
DOJ is assisting with the response to this incident and will provide any resources needed to assist with the investigation as it moves forward. What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice. https://t.co/4IAybQdIER
— Attorney General Josh Kaul (@WisDOJ) November 22, 2021
“DOJ is assisting with the response to this incident and will provide any resources needed to assist with the investigation as it moves forward,” he wrote.
“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Ever, also shared his condolences with the families affected by the event via Twitter, writing that he and his wife Kathy were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act”.
The local school district has cancelled all classes in the city on Monday (22 November), and extra counsellors and other supports are being provided for all students that may be affected.
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