Waukesha Death Toll Rises To Five, Over 40 Injured

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports:

A treasured rite of the holiday season turned into a scene of bloody, deadly mayhem late Sunday afternoon as a vehicle plowed into the Waukesha Christmas Parade, killing five people and injuring more than 40 others, authorities said.

Shortly before midnight, the City of Waukesha posted to its Twitter and Facebook accounts revised casualty totals. “At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured,” the statement said. “However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information.”

Earlier, authorities said 11 adults and 12 children were ferried to local hospitals. Others were taken by friends and family. Children’s Wisconsin hospital said it had 15 patients and no fatalities.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports:

A “person of interest” was in custody, and a “suspect vehicle” was recovered, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson [photo] said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.

Thompson confirmed that shots were fired during the incident, but said police believe none of them were fired from the SUV. An officer fired several shots at the SUV, trying to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were hit with gunfire. Thompson declined to say whether police shot the SUV driver.

At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody.

— cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) November 22, 2021