UCA News
Contribute

Vehicle plows into US Christmas parade in deadly incident

Person in custody after five die and over 40 injured as SUV mows down spectators in Wisconsin
Vehicle plows into US Christmas parade in deadly incident

A red SUV speeds through the holiday parade crowd in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Nov. 21. (Photo: AFP)

Published: November 22, 2021 05:25 AM GMT
Updated: November 22, 2021 06:20 AM GMT

A vehicle plowed into a Christmas parade in the US state of Wisconsin, causing five deaths and injuring more than 40 people, police said.

Officials were still gathering information on the incident, which occurred just after 4.30pm local time on Nov. 21 as spectators in the town of Waukesha, a Milwaukee suburb, watched the annual tradition.

"The Waukesha Christmas parade was taking place when a red SUV broke through the barricades, westbound, headed down Main Street," police chief Dan Thompson told reporters.

A "person of interest" was in custody, Thompson said, adding that officers had recovered the involved vehicle. There were no other threats, officials at the press conference said.

During the incident an officer fired at the SUV in an attempt to stop it, the authorities added.

Schools will not open on Nov. 22 and roads will remain closed, Thompson said, while the investigation is continuing.

We have reached out to state and local officials to offer any support and assistance as needed

President Joe Biden has received a briefing on the situation and the White House is "closely monitoring the situation in Waukesha and our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this terrible incident," said a White House official.

"We have reached out to state and local officials to offer any support and assistance as needed," added the official.

While local law enforcement were the primary responding entities, the FBI said it was providing assistance.

Angelito Tenorio, who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, was at the parade and told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he "saw an SUV cross over, just put the pedal to the metal and just zooming full speed along the parade route."

"And then we heard a loud bang, and just deafening cries and screams from people who are struck by the vehicle," he said.

According to bystanders and footage, the SUV sped into the parade behind a school marching band.

"All I heard was screaming and then people yelling out their children's names. That's all I heard," another witness, Angela O'Boyle, whose apartment overlooked the parade, told CNN.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said he and his wife were "praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act."

The incident comes after a tumultuous week in the state of Wisconsin following the conclusion of the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse

Various lawmakers expressed their condolences, including the state's two senators, with Democrat Tammy Baldwin writing on Twitter that she found the "horrific violence ... just heartbreaking."

Her Republican counterpart Ron Johnson offered his "prayers for everyone injured" and "gratitude for all law enforcement, medical personnel, and community members who are responding."

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said he and his wife were "praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act."

The incident comes after a tumultuous week in the state of Wisconsin following the conclusion of the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, an American teen acquitted after fatally shooting two men during protests and riots against police brutality last year in Kenosha, located just 80 kilometers from Waukesha.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia