Waukesha, Wisconsin – A driver plowed an SUV into the Waukesha Christmas Parade Sunday evening. Police said five people were killed and more than 40 others were injured.
Eyewitness footage showed the moment the car plowed into the crowd. Warning: Footage is disturbing.
A livestream from the city’s Facebook page showed the car speed by during the parade as onlookers are heard screaming.
This was recorded from the City of Waukesha’s Facebook account, which was streaming the parade.
You can see a red SUV speed right past these band members, hear screams and then a law enforcement officer running. @fox6now pic.twitter.com/8lO5oRuP1I
— Sam Kraemer (@SamKraemerTV) November 21, 2021
#Waukesha
*potentially disturbing*
Vehicle can be seen speeding through the middle of the parade route; narrowly missing a young child. pic.twitter.com/hpPC3itR3O— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) November 21, 2021
Footage also shows what appeared to be the driver blowing through a police barricade.
There were also reports of gunshots in the area. Police said the gunfire was from an officer who shot at the suspected driver as he crashed through the barricade.
The conditions of those injured was not immediately known.
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
Police said they located the vehicle involved and a ‘person of interest’ is in custody. At a press conference, officials confirmed there were ‘some’ deaths but declined to provide an exact number.
Children and the elderly are among the victims.
Photos appear to show the red SUV involved in the Waukesha Holiday Parade incident. Follow updates here: https://t.co/sjcTvuk2Du pic.twitter.com/hfN0avE9Hp
— CBS 58 News (@CBS58) November 22, 2021
“Please pray for our community tonight after the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “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.”
At the Waukesha Holiday parade and a car just broke through the police line, plowing through pedestrians and firing rounds out the window. Family and I are safe. Happened 20 feet in front of us.
— Zach Heisler (@zrheisler) November 21, 2021
Governor Tony Evers said, “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.”
Waukesha PD continues to ask the public to avoid downtown Waukesha this evening following a critical incident involving the Waukesha Holiday Parade. you'll find official updates on the @WaukeshaPD Facebook homepage. https://t.co/ddO3WfXHQR pic.twitter.com/j18urSPMdS
— FBI Milwaukee (@FBIMilwaukee) November 22, 2021
This is a developing story.
