Paradegoers in Waukesha, Wisconsin, turned out for a local Christmas parade, ready to get into the holiday spirit. Sadly, the situation turned deadly.
At least five people died and another 40 were injured after a driver plowed an SUV through the parade route. It was 4:39 p.m. on November 21 when the red truck drove through parade barricades and hit multiple individuals, according to Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson.
The driver, who authorities believe may have been trying to escape another crime scene, is in custody as dozens continue to fight to recover from their injuries.
"The vehicle struck more than 20 individuals, some of the individuals were children," Chief Thompson noted in a press conference.
Officials have explained that the number of people impacted by this remains unclear because many self-transported to area hospitals.
"We do have a person of interest in custody at the moment, but this is still a very fluid investigation," the police chief added at the time. He did not disclose then whether the person of interest was the driver of the SUV.
"Today our community faced horror and tragedy at what should have been a community celebration," Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said at the press conference.
"I am deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to a parade, but ended up dealing with injury and heartache."
There have been indications by those close to law enforcement that the SUV driver may have been fleeing another incident at the time he plowed through the parade. There aren't any indications this was an act of foreign or domestic terrorism. There have also been no indications this was related to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, despite the proximity to the case.
Though there aren't many details about the deceased at this time, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies has confirmed fatalities among their group.
"The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade," they shared in a statement on Facebook.
"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. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts," they continued.
"Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together."
One woman watching the parade from her home saw the whole situation unfold. "The next thing I heard were screams, and turned my head and saw the car come and plow into the band that was just past my balcony at that point," Angela O'Boyle shared.
"It hit at least two people right away and rolled over them. And then continued down the road to People's Park which is at the end of the block — and then kept going, it didn't stop."
As residents wait for more information, they're staying close to home. Businesses along the parade route remain closed as of November 22. Schools in the area have also closed and are determining whether they will resume classes before the Thanksgiving break.
