Vehicle invades Christmas parade in the US and leaves more than 20 injured

Waukesha police reported “a few deaths” after more than 20 people, including children, were hit by a vehicle that invaded a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, in the northeastern United States, police officer Daniel P. Thompson told a news conference this Sunday night (21).

Authorities are working with county coroners to confirm the identities of the deceased, Thompson said. No details about the deaths will be released until the police notify their loved ones.

“This is most important, it is the families of this tragic event and making sure that they are informed,” he continued. “That is our priority in this tragic incident.”

Authorities reported that 11 adults and 12 minors were transported to area hospitals by ambulances after a red SUV passed the Waukesha parade.

A police officer fired his weapon at the suspect’s vehicle in an attempt to detain him, Thompson said.

A suspect’s vehicle has been recovered and a “person of police interest” is in custody, the officer concluded. There are no active threats in the area and “the scene is now secure”. It is not known at this time whether the incident was an act of terrorism.

People were seen injured on the ground after the incident, said journalist Kaylee Staral, who was at the parade. About “20 to 30 minutes after the parade started, a red SUV came running down the middle of the street – there was a lot of screaming – and we thought it might be Santa Claus, but the car came and hit a lot of people,” Staral said.

The White House is monitoring the situation and President Joe Biden has been informed of the incident, according to a government official. The FBI office in Wisconsin is also aware of the incident, according to a spokesman.

Waukesha School District canceled classes on Monday (22), the school district said, adding that counselors will be available for “students and staff who need support services.”

Local hospitals received at least 28 people

Children’s Wisconsin – a pediatric hospital in Milwaukee – said it is treating 15 injured patients at the Waukesha festival parade.

“Children’s Wisconsin immediately prepared for a wave of patients after receiving police notification of the incident,” the hospital said in a statement. “From 8pm onwards, we received 15 patients, with no reports of fatalities in our hospital at that time.”

Aurora Medical Center, another medical center in the region, told CNN which is treating 13 patients: three in critical condition, four in serious condition and six in reasonable condition.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s meaningless tragedy and our hearts go out to the Waukesha community,” Aurora said in a statement.

Froedtert Hospital, in the state capital, confirmed to CNN who is also treating the wounded from the Waukesha incident, but has not provided a specific number.

Among those affected in the parade are a Catholic priest, several parishioners and children from a Catholic school in the city, according to Sandra Peterson, communication director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The parade video posted on the city’s Facebook page shows a red SUV speeding past the parade, followed by a police officer running across the scene.

“The horrific violence at the Waukesha Christmas Parade is heartbreaking,” wrote state senator Tammy Baldwin on Twitter. “Please keep the victims in your prayers tonight.”

In his description of the injured, Staral said: “Right in front of me, where I was sitting, probably four people were down. I believe they were still breathing, but they were on the ground, not moving,” she added.

Waukesha police are advising people to avoid the city center and have established a family reunification center.

“This is an unspeakable tragedy, affecting all of us as we work to overcome two extremely challenging years and rekindle our beloved holiday traditions,” Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said in a statement.

“Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and for all the children, families and community members affected by this mindless act,” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said on Twitter. “I’m grateful for the people who acted quickly to help, and we’re in touch with local partners while we await more information.’