Five Killed After Vehicle Plows Into A Holiday Parade In Wisconsin

Screenshot 11-22-21

The procession was making its way down Main Street when the vehicle plowed through barricades and into the route at around 4:39 p.m. local time.

At a press conference this afternoon, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson officially identified the suspect in the deadly attack that took place at Sunday’s holiday parade as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks Jr. Brooks is facing five counts of intentional homicide after he drove his SUV through a holiday parade, killing five.

Thompson also released the names of the five victims, who ranged in age from 52 to 81.

Thompson added that the incident “was not a terrorist event.”

Updated at 2:52 p.m. E.T.

The Associated Press (AP) is reporting that police have identified a suspect in the tragic events that took place at a Waukesha holiday parade on Sunday. 

The man has been identified to the AP by two anonymous law enforcement sources as Darrell Brooks Jr., a 39-year-old Milwaukee man who had previously been charged with reckless endangerment three times within the past two years. The most recent incident occurred on November 5. Brooks had been released from jail after posting bond on Friday.  

Updated 11:40 a.m. E.T.

Five people are dead and at over 40 are injured after an SUV plowed through a holiday parade Sunday in Waukesha, Wisconsin, about 20 miles west of Milwaukee. 

The procession was making its way down Main Street when the vehicle plowed through barricades and into the route at around 4:39 p.m. local time. A video posted to the city’s Facebook page shows the SUV speeding past a parade vehicle and on the heels of a marching band playing, “Jingle Bells.”  

Another video shared with CNN shows the moment that the vehicle drove into a marching band, striking some of its members. The video had been taken my a local woman, Angela O’Boyle, from her balcony.

NPR reports that 11 adults and 12 children were transported to local hospitals according to the town’s Fire Chief Steven Howard, although other victims were self-transporting to area hospitals. The Catholic Community of Waukesha, Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, and a children’s dance troupe, Waukesha Xtreme Dance, were among the groups whose members were struck by the SUV.

The vehicle has been recovered and a person of interest is in custody, although police did not specify whether or not that person was the driver. In a statement reported by NPR, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said that they did not yet know if there was a “nexus to terrorism” related to the event. 

Officials have not yet released details about the deceased, but the on its Facebook page the Dancing Grannies have stated that members of the organization were among those killed. “Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness,” the post reads, adding, “Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies … Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time.” 

Waukesha city hall and school district remain closed through Monday, as is the stretch of Main Street impacted by the tragedy. City flags will be flown at half staff. 

This is a developing story. GO Magazine will provide updates as they become known.


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