Waukesha parade, Wisconsin: official press conference after Darrell Brooks' arrest
Here's what we know so far:
- Who is Darrell Brooks? Police confirm one man has been charged with five counts of intentional first-degree homicide
- Incident took place at 16:40 local time at the Waukesha Christmas Parade
- A red SUV was recorded speeding along the parade route, ploughing into participants and spectators
- Five people confirmed dead and more than 48 injured, according to local law enforcement
- Two children remain in hospital in critical condition
- Initial reports suggest the incident was not terrorism-related, but that suspect was not being pursued prior to the incident
- Waukesha police chief Daniel Thompson confirms suspect was involved in a domestic disturbance just minutes before the incident at the Christmas parade
- Authories release the names of the five fatalities
Wilhelm Hospel, 81
Virginia Sorenson, 79
LeAnna Owen, 71
Jane Kulich, 52
Tamara Durand, 52
Milwaukee Bucks pay their respects to Waukesha victims
The town of Waukesha was struck by tragedy on Sunday when a car drove through a Christmas parade, killing five people and injuring countless more. The town is just 20 miles from the city of Milwaukee and the area's NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks, paid tributes to the victims in their game on Monday evening. The team will be hosting a fundraising event on Tuesday 23 November, with all money raised to be matched by Milwaukee Brewers president David Stearns and donated to the Waukesha Community Foundation.
“Many of us were participants in the parade and witnessed these horrific actions. We are all trying to process what we experienced."
“For those of you who do not live in Waukesha, you need to know that Waukesha is a community that helps her neighbours. Waukesha is a community that takes pride in its identity and has a wonderful spirit. Waukesha looks after each other.”
Crowds gather for candelight vigil in Waukesha
On Monday evening crowds gathered to remember the five people who lost their lives at the Waukesha Christmas market when a red SUV ploughed into spectators and participants. Police have confirmed that one man, Darrell Brooks, has been arrested in connection to the incident and charged with five counts of intentional homicide.
Police confirm suspect Darrell Brooks was invoved in a domestic disturbance before the deadily incident
Almost twenty-four hours after a deadly incident during the Waukesha Christmas parade left five dead, police are reporting that the suspect was involved in a "domestic disturbance" before he allegedly drove his SUV through the festivities.
Officials confirm that over forty-eight people were injured after an SUV drove through the Christmas parade in Waukesha. Many are still in critical condition and tragically, five deaths have been confirmed.
Suspect in Waukesha Christmas Parade deadly incident had extensive police record
The man being held by police as the main suspect for barreling an SUV through a Christmas Parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, at the time was pending two felony prosecutions. He had been released just five days before on $1,000 bail for commiting a similar crime when he intentionally ran over a woman at a gas station. Since 1999 he has been charged with 10 crimes, for this latest crime he is expected to face first-degree homicide counts along with other charges.
Milwaukee DA says Brooks bail was set too low
The suspect being held for ramming an SUV through the Waukesha Christmas Parade, Darrell Brooks, had been released on $1,000 bail on 11 November. The Milwaukee County District Attorney is now conducting a review to look into why his bail recommendation was set so low, despite the violent nature of other charges pending against him, which went counter to the DA office's normal bail assesment for a defendent like Brooks.
Three of parade victims part of Dancing Grannies troupe
Authorities have idenitfied three of the five fatalities from the tragic Waukesha Christmas Parade. All three were members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies group which was participating in the parade when an SUV barreled through the crowd and participants.
Tamera Durant, 52
Lee Owens, 71
Virginia Sorenson, 79
Waukesha mass casualty event suspect was not fleeing police
Darrell Brooks was apprehended as the suspect in the tragic event that unfolded Sunday evening in Waukesha that left score injured and five dead. It had been reported that he was fleeing the scene of a crime prior to driving his SUV through the Christmas Parade in downtown Waukesha. Police now state that there was no pursuit of the suspect prior to his enetering the parade route resulting in tragedy.
Clean-up begins along Waukesha parade route
Yesterday's tragic incident along the Chirstmas Parade route in downtown Waukesha left over 40 people injured, including a dozen children, and five fatalities after an SUV drove into the crowd and those marching in the parade. A suspect has been apprehended, Darrell Brooks, who was apparently fleeing the sceen of another crime.
City of Waukesha to hold press conference later today
Despite various reports about the tragic events which unfolded in Waukesha on Sunday, there has been little in the way of official confirmation regarding the identity and the intentions of the driver of the red SUV who killed at least five people and injured countless more. Local news sources have reported that one man, Darrell Brooks, has been arrested but police have only confirmed that one person is in custody in connection to the incident. More may become clear in a few hours when City of Waukesha officials host a press conference at City Hall.
Darrell Brooks pictured alongside red SUV in music video
More information is now known about the suspect currently in custody in relation to the Waukesha Christmas parade incident. Darrell Edward Brooks Jr. has been reported as the driver of the red Ford Escape SUV which ploughed through a busy road during a Christmas parade attended by thousands of families. Footage has emerged online which appears to show Brooks posing in front of the red SUV in a homemade music video.
NBC confirms identify of suspect as Darrell Brooks
After hours of speculation, multiple news outlets have now confirmed that the person arrested in connection with the Waukesha Christmas parade incident on Sunday was 39-year-old Darrell Edwards Brooks Jr. Law enforcement sources have confirmed that Brooks is the only person currently in police custody and they do not currently believe that the horrific events were terror-related.
It is thought that Brooks may have been fleeing from the scene of another crime and became embroiled in the parade on the busy Main Street thoroughfare.
"My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating incident today in Waukesha. I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders, health care workers, and many others who helped get care to those who were injured as quickly as possible."
"DOJ is assisting with the response to this incident and will provide any resources needed to assist with the investigation as it moves forward. What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice."
Waukesha incident suspect was fleeing another incident, per reports
The exact details surrounding the tragic events in Waukesha, Wisconsin are still largely unexplained but mulitple law enforcement sources are now suggesting that the driver may have been fleeing from the scene of another crime when the car careered down the town's Main Street. In the hours after the incident local police officials suggested that they did not believe it was terror-related at that time, and this appears to suggest that was the case.
Reports that Darrell E. Brooks was the Waukesha driver
Police have confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody in relation to the horrific incident at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Sunday, which left five people dead and many more with serious injuries. Some outlets online have reported that the man in custody is 38-year-old Darrell E. Brooks, who is currently out on bail. The identity of the suspect has not yet been confirmed by local law enforcement.
Deserted streets in Waukesha
After the tragic events of Sunday, areas of Main Street, where the Waukesha Christmas parade was held, have an eery feeling with deserted chairs and personal possessions littering the route. At around 16:40 local time a red SUV ploughed into the parade, hitting participants and bystanders, and causing law enforcement to advise those in the area to take shelter in nearby stores. The suspect is now in custody and there is not thought to be any further danger.
Mayor Shawn Reilly: "Our community faced horror and tragedy, at what should have been a celebration"
"This is an unspeakable tragedy, affecting us all as we work to overcome an extremely challenging two years and resume our cherished holiday traditions."
"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. Please pray for our community tonight after the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade."
Wisconsin governor sends thanks to first responders
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has tweeted to say that his thoughts are with "all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act" which took place in the Waukesha Christmas Market on Sunday afternoon. A car ploughed through the town's annual Christmas parade, leaving several people dead and causing many more injuries. Local authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody but are yet to release further information.
Wisconsin Senator posts message
Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin took to Twitter to post a message expressing her horror at this weekend's incident in Waukesha.
Parade route
The City of Waukesha's 58th Annual Christmas Parade began on Main St. and Whiterock Avenue, travelling to West Avenue, south to Wisconsin Avenue. It was then due to head east on Wisconsin Avenue to North Grand Avenue before disbanding at East Park Avenue.
The incident occurred at Jasper Avenue and Main Street.
Suspect being held in custody, police confirm
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson confirmed that a person of interest has been taken into custody and a vehicle had been recovered after the incident, about 32 kilometers west of Milwaukee. "The vehicle struck more than 20 individuals, some of those individuals were children and there were some fatalities as a result of this incident. We will not be releasing information on the fatalities at this time while we are working on notifying the families of the deceased. We are no longer looking for a suspect vehicle, we do have a person of interest in custody at the moment but this is still a very fluid investigation".
Main Street and Barstow Street closed until midday
The area between Main Street, Barstow Street and Bank Street has been closed off by police. Local authorities access should resume after midday.
Taking a moment to think about the Waukesha families affected by the incident
We have come to you with all the latest updates available to us, and we now take a moment to think about all affected individuals and pray for their families.
VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN FLEEING ANOTHER CRIME!
No official word on this yet, but this is what we got from Tom Winter so far.
City of Waukesha social media accounts giving updates
City of Waukesha's social media accounts will be given updates from now until tomorrow.
Next police update, Mon 22
Police are prepared to conduct a press conference at city hall tomorrow at 1 pm and provide more information. Any updates between now and then will be on the city’s social media accounts.
For families affected by the Waukesha incident looking for family members
Reunification center at Waukesha South H.S. Reunification help: 262-548-7122.
You can also call this number if you live out of town and are looking for any family members.
Chief prioritizes families
Chief Dan Thompson gave more official updates on the incident, without saying the number of fatalities to respect families of the deceased.
- Public schools closed Mon.
- Asking people to stay away from scene
- Roads around scene will be closed for at least 24 hrs
- Working with medical examiner to identify the victims & notify families
Multiple people died and over 20, including children, taken to hospital
No info clear on any children killed in mayhem.
Statement on shots fired
Chief Howard said he does not believe any shots were fired from the vehicle. An officer, however, did discharge his weapon in attempts to stop the vehicle, and there was no one affected. The officer involved has also been with the department for six and a half years.
There is still no clear information on the motive of the incident, and it is unknown if it has anything to do with terrorism. No information was provided on the person of interest in holding.
11 adults and 12 pediatric patients taken to hospital
Authorities have clarified that there are several fatalities, and they are now working on letting the families of the deceased know. They do not have any specifics on injuries, but all injured individuals have been transferred to the nearby hospital- including 11 adults and 12 pediatric patients.
Statement from 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. Please pray for our community tonight after the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade."
One fatality reported from SUV driving through parade in Waukesha
Evans Casey a reporter from the Wisconsin Sentinel Journal has tweeted that one of the people who was hit by the SUV at the Christmas Parade has died.
Graphic video from Waukesha Christmas Parade
A camera on a building caught the moment the SUV drove into the crowd and parade participants on Sunday evening.
Person of interest in holding
Authorities in Waukesha, Wisconsin will be giving an update on the unfolding situation briefly. Earlier in a brief statement to the press the Mayor confirmed that 20 so far have been injured and that a person is in custody but hasn't said if it is the individual responsible.
Shelter in place order for Waukesha
A public safety alert has been issued for Waukesha. Everyone within a half mile of the downtown area is advised to shelter in place.
Press conference to start soon in Waukesha
The Waukesha Fire Department will be giving a press conference on what happened at the Christmas Parade in the downtown area Sunday evening where over 20 people are reported injured.
Video from the Christmas parade
The terrible incident in Waukesha was captured on camera by several bystanders and street cameras along the parade route. WSJ provides a cut of video as the SUV speeds past a marching band after entering the parade route.
Dozens injuried by SUV
The Wisconsin Journal Sentinel reports that over 20 people at the parade have been injured.
First on the scene
Kaylee Staral, a business reporting intern at the Wisconsin Journal Sentinel was at the parade when the SUV drove into the crowd at the Waukesha, Wisconsin, Christmas Parade.
Good evening from AS USA. Tragedy has struck in Waukesha, Wisconsin during its Christmas parade. A red SUV drove through barricades protecting the crowds assembled for the festive occasion around 5 pm Sunday evening, and then plowed through people in the parade hitting numerous individuals, before then driving off.
We'll be following events as they unfold through the night, with updates as more information becomes available.