Waukesha Christmas parade: man charged with homicide after five killed

Authorities in Wisconsin on Monday identified a 39-year-old man as the person who plowed his vehicle into a Christmas parade on Sunday night, killing five people and injuring another 48, including two children who remained in a critical condition.

Darrell E Brooks was in custody, charged with five counts of intentional first-degree homicide, Daniel Thompson, police chief of Waukesha, a city 20 miles west of Milwaukee, said at an afternoon press conference.

He said that the suspect was involved in an unspecified domestic disturbance immediately before the parade incident, and that further charges were expected.

Thompson said that there was no evidence the bloodshed on Sunday was a terrorist attack or that the suspect knew anyone in the parade. Brooks had acted alone, the chief said.

Thompson said Brooks “drove right through the barricades” to enter the parade route and then raced towards a collision with those entertaining the holiday crowds, including a marching band, a troupe of “Dancing Grannies” and a dance team of girls aged nine to 15 performing with white pom-poms and wearing Santa hats.

Spectators and participants scattered as the red Ford SUV barrelled through at speeds estimated at up to 60mph. Videos posted to social media showed members of the crowd and first responders treating injured victims.

Thompson identified those killed as Tamara Durant and Jane Coolidge, both 52; Leanna Owens, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Wilhelm Hospel, 82.

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies troupe said in a Facebook post that members were among those killed.

“Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed … joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue … held us together,” the post said.

“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.”

At least 10 children remained in intensive care on Monday afternoon, health officials said. Injuries ranged from broken bones to serious head wounds.

Thompson, the police chief, said officers had been called to a domestic dispute near the parade route, but said Brooks fled before they got there. One officer fired his weapon to try to stop the driver as he sped away from the parade after he ran over the victims, but was unsuccessful. Nobody was hurt by the shots and the officer was placed on administrative leave, Thompson said on Monday.

Brooks was arrested a short time after the incident and his vehicle impounded, Thompson added. Brooks has been charged with crimes 16 times since 1999 and had two outstanding cases against him at the time of the parade disaster – including one in which he was accused of deliberately running down a woman with his vehicle.

The mayor of Waukesha, Shawn Reilly, said his town was grieving “a senseless tragedy”.

“Many of us were participants in the parade and witnessed these horrific actions. We are all trying to process what we experienced,” he said.

“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.”

In an address from the White House in Washington, Joe Biden also paid tribute to the victims.

“Five families in Waukesha are facing fresh grief of life without a loved one,” the president said. “At least 40 Americans are suffering from injuries, some of them in critical condition, and an entire community is struggling to cope with the horrific act of violence.

“The people of Waukesha were gathered to celebrate the start of a season of hope and togetherness and thanksgiving. All of us pray that that same spirit is going to embrace and lift up all the victims of this tragedy.”

Large crowds turned out for a candle-lit vigil in Waukesha on Monday evening, and Reilly said a community fund had been set up “to support the needs of the families”.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the SUV burst through barricades at about 4.40pm on Sunday and sped towards the performers. One said the driver appeared to be swerving from side to side, apparently targeting those marching.

Corey Montiho, a member of the Waukesha school board, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the driver hit his daughter’s dance team.

“There were pom-poms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” he said. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”

Montiho said he made eye contact with the man driving the vehicle, the Washington Post reported. He described him as “calm and composed”.

“I saw bodies and kids and dads not breathing,” he said.

Tony Evers, the Wisconsin governor, ordered flags at half mast.

“Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families and community members affected by this senseless act,” Evers said in a statement.

“I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help.”

The Associated Press contributed reporting