Officials in a Milwaukee neighborhood dealt with the wake of a red SUV plowing into Christmas festival participants and onlookers. This happened on Sunday evening, injuring over 20 parents and kids.
Here are the Details
As per FOX 6 of Milwaukee, Chief of Police Dan Thompson told journalists at an evening media briefing that several fatalities happened at the Waukesha event.
Early on Monday, Waukesha city officials announced at least five people were dead and many more than 40 had been injured. They cautioned both figures could fluctuate. A press briefing scheduled for later Monday was anticipated to provide more details.
The scene is still fluid, and the investigation is ongoing. The community mourns the loss of our community members and those injured. We are asking for the community to come together during this time and to keep the families in your prayers.
— cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) November 22, 2021
The SUV slammed into procession goers, with loud screams heard from many who witnessed the carnage. This was captured on film and shared widely on social media. In other videos, individuals can be seen sprinting to the rescue of the injured.
In one clip, a woman repeatedly exclaims, “Oh my God!” when a cluster of girls wearing Santa Claus costumes and waving white tassels gets struck. According to the Associated Press, another video shows musicians in the marching bands getting attacked.
Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school administrator and father, told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, “There have been pompoms, footwear, and spilled hot chocolate all around.”
“To find my child, I had to travel from one crushed body to the next. My wife and two girls were on the verge of being hit. Please keep everyone in your prayers. Please pray for me.”
The Associated Press claimed gunfire was reported in the neighborhood. However, officials said shots were fired by a police officer attempting to stop the vehicle. According to officials, no one was injured as a result of the gunshots.
Many of the Affected were Churchgoers
An Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokesman told the Associated Press a Roman Catholic priest, many worshippers, and Catholic kids were amongst the wounded during the parade.
The Milwaukee Dance Grandmothers, who performed in the march, were also devastated by the incident. The group posted on Facebook, saying they were looking for more information on their colleagues who were hurt.
“Please remember the Grannies, all who were hurt, and those who saw this awful act in your prayers and thoughts,” the organization wrote.
NEW: The ‘Milwaukee Dancing Grannies’ one of the groups impacted during Waukesha’s Christmas parade: pic.twitter.com/j6ynbGw4w3
— Cassidy Williams (@CassidyWtv) November 22, 2021
According to the Journal-Sentinel, the Waukesha Xtreme Dancing team was another organization that appreciated the public for their concerns. Per the Associated Press, officials in Waukesha have taken one suspect into custody and found the vehicle connected to the parade disaster.
The real identity of a probable suspect was posted on social media, but news outlets are keeping the material until officials confirm it. According to the media organization, 11 adults and 12 children were hurt.
As of 8 p.m. CT, the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee had 15 admissions and no deaths. The Wisconsin Justice Department is assisting Waukesha police in their probe, according to the media.
