WAUKESHA, Wis. – Authorities are determining on Monday whether the driver of the SUV plowed over an obstacle and into a Christmas parade in the suburbs of Waukesha on Sunday. killed at least five people and injured more than 40 people, there may be running away from another crime.
At least six children remain in critical condition after a car plowed through the parade, crashing into a high school band, children’s dance group and the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. NS The city live stream captured the beautiful moments video of the crash, and Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said The number of dead and injured is subject to change because many people took themselves to the hospital during the chaotic minutes following the tragedy.
Doctors said that Wisconsin Children’s Hospital received 18 patients from 3 to 16 years old, including 3 siblings.
“Today we experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy. I walked in the parade from the beginning,” Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said at a news conference. “I see happy children sitting on the sidewalk. I see happy parents behind their children. I can still see smiling faces.”
Governor Tony Evers ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday and on funeral days for the victims. Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, are “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the children, families and community members affected by this senseless act.” The city of Waukesha said it would hold an interfaith vigil on Monday.
Who is driving the SUV?
Thompson said the investigation is ongoing and “a suspect vehicle” has been recovered. One person of interest was detained, he said. Darrell Brooks Jr., 39 years old, a Milwaukee man with an open trial regarding domestic violence, the man was arrested, according to a law enforcement source with direct knowledge of the situation. Brooks has been charged three times in less than two years with recklessly endangering the safety of others, most recently on November 5 as part of a domestic abuse case he also charged with resisting or obstructing an officer.
In the most recent case, a woman told Brooks police he intentionally drove her car as she was walking through a gas station parking lot after he followed her there after an altercation. brawl, according to the criminal complaint. Court records show the woman was hospitalized.
Brooks was released from prison Friday after posting charges in the recent case, according to court records. He was also charged in July 2020 with two second-degree counts of recklessly endangering the safety of others by using a dangerous weapon. Both cases are ongoing.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office said it launched an internal review of its “inappropriately low” bail recommendation in the recent domestic violence case. Brooks posted a $1,000 bond, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect’s name is:The suspect in the Waukesha Christmas Parade has been identified as Darrell Brooks Jr.
What is the engine?
Authorities have not made public what they believe to be the man’s motives. A law enforcement source told Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the man had been implicated in an incident earlier on Sunday, which may also have involved domestic abuse, shortly before the carnage parade took place.
What happened at the parade?
Waukesha, a city of 72,000 just 20 miles west of Milwaukee, was celebrating with a holiday parade when the disaster struck around 4:39 p.m. local time. Angelito Tenorio, a farmer from West Allis, said he had just finished the parade with family and friends before seeing the car drive past the parade.
“We saw an SUV pass by, just put the pedals on the metal and sped along the parade route,” said Tenorio. “And then we heard a big bang, just shrill screams and screams from people getting hit by cars. And then we saw people running away or stopped crying, and there were people on the street. the ground looked as if they had been hit. by means.”
SUV plunges into Wisconsin Christmas parade; ‘person of interest’ is being detained
Is it related to a shooting?
Thompson said a police officer opened fire on the SUV in an attempt to stop it. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire. He said police do not believe any shots were fired from the SUV.
Deaths include members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies
NS Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, according to their website, was founded in 1984 and meets once a week to practice routines “for the summer and winter parades.” The members range in age from the early 50s to the mid 70s and are all grandmothers. The group published a post after the crash saying that members and volunteers “have been affected and we are awaiting information on their condition.” On Monday, the group posted an announcement that several members of its crew had been killed.
“The dead were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes sparkled… the joy of being Grannie. They were the glue (that) that kept us together,” the Facebook post said. said. “Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates will be posted it will be posted. Please keep them family, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and all the rest of them. alive has forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.”
At least 18 children are treated at the hospital
Hospitals in the area were still treating the victims Monday while The question remains about the exact number of people injured or dead.
The injured suffered severe head injuries, broken bones and scratches on the face; six had surgery on Sunday night and two more on Monday.
In addition to 6 children in critical condition, 3 other children are still in critical condition.
Aurora – Summit Medical Center, a hospital in Waukesha County, confirmed it was treating 13 patients early Monday. Of those 13, three are in “critical” condition, four are in “severe” and six are in “fair” condition, according to a hospital statement, located about 15 miles from the scene. mile. tragedy.
“We are praying for all those affected, their families and our first responders,” the statement said.
Staff at Children’s Wisconsin said the hospital helped treat a total of 18 children injured at the parade.
Youth dance team attack
Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school board member, said his daughter’s dance team was hit by an SUV. “They were pom-poms, shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from crumpled body to body to find my daughter,” he said.
He said his wife and two daughters were almost hit by bullets.
“My family is safe but many are not. I held a little girl’s head in my arms, she had convulsions and bleeding from her ear. I held her mother as she collapsed. Please pray.”
The White House issued a statement in support of the victims
President Joe Biden on Monday spoke about the tragedy, saying, “The entire community is struggling to deal with this horrific act of violence.”
Biden said his administration is monitoring the situation closely and that he and his family are praying for those affected.
“Our team is in close contact with local officials to offer any assistance and help needed,” said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. tweeted. “Our hearts go out to families and entire communities.”
Green Bay Packers appreciates first responders
The Green Bay Packers released a statement Sunday saying the group’s thoughts are with the Waukesha community and “those affected by the horrible, senseless act that took place at the holiday parade.”
“We are grateful to the first responders and others who supported the injured and comforted those in need,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. As a statewide community, we must all come together to support each other during these difficult times.”
Bacon reports from Arlington, Va. Miller reports from Carlsbad, California. Contributing: Christopher Kuhagen, Mary Spicuzza, Molly Beck, Sophie Carson, Evan Casey, Cathy Kozlowicz, Elliot Hughes and Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Sentinel Magazine; Celina Tebor, USA TODAY; Related press
