The annual Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin became a bloodbath on Sunday afternoon when a motorist drove a red Ford Escape directly into the crowd of onlookers and participants, leaving five people dead and dozens more injured.
Videos of the incident were recorded by eyewitnesses and uploaded to social media.
“Today we experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy. I walked in the parade at the beginning,” Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said at a news conference. “I saw the happy children sitting on the curb. I saw happy parents behind their children. I can still see the smiling faces.”
Gov. Tony Evers (D) offered words of comfort in a statement posted to Twitter.
“Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act,” Evers said. “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.”
The Waukesha Police Department announced late Sunday night that City Hall and public schools would be closed on Monday.
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a local performance troupe that had a spot in the parade, confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday that members of their group were among those killed:
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devasted by this terrible tradegy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade.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. Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together.Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted. Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone who lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.
