WAUKESHA, Wis. — The mayor of Waukesha, Wisconsin, has confirmed that multiple people were injured when an SUV sped into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee.Shortly after 4:30 p.m., a red SUV drove into the town’s Christmas parade, injuring more than 20 people, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Sunday night.
Victims were transported to hospitals via ambulances, police officers and family members, according to officials.
Mayor Shawn Reilly tells WITI in Milwaukee that he does not believe there is any current danger to the public.
Police in Waukesha were urging people to avoid the downtown area Sunday night.
A live video feed of the parade from the city of Waukesha showed a red SUV breaking through barriers and speeding into the roadway where the parade was taking place. It’s unclear how many people are injured. Police said they could not immediately provide details.
Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.
“Then we heard a loud bang, and just deafening cries and screams from people who are who are struck by the vehicle,” Tenorio said. “And then, and then we saw people running away or stopping crying, and there, there are people on the ground who looked like they’d been hit by the vehicle.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers posted to Twitter saying: “Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act. I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information.”
Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act. I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 22, 2021
Police said they have recovered the suspected vehicle and a person of interest is being looked at.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
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