Waukesha Christmas Parade: Five Dead, At Least 48 Injured After SUV Plows Through Crowd

A suspect, identified by authorities as Darrell E. Brooks, 39, sped through barricades and mowed people down in a maroon Ford Escape SUV during a Waukesha Christmas parade Sunday, killing five and wounding at least 48, according to Waukesha police.  

In a news conference Monday, Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson confirmed the names of the five victims: Virginia Sorenson, 79, Leanna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.  

Thompson said two of the 48 injured victims are children and are in critical condition.  

Brooks, a Milwaukee resident, will be charged with five counts of intentional homicide with potential additional charges based on the police investigation, Thompson said. 

Thompson said police are confident Brooks acted alone, and that there is “no evidence that this is a terrorist incident.”  

“Shortly after this tragedy occurred, officers immediately identified the suspect vehicle, and shortly after that they apprehended the suspect, who had no injuries,” said Thompson. “After he was detained, he was taken into custody.” 

According to Thompson, police responded to a domestic disturbance call that they believe “was between the suspect and another individual in another location just prior to the incident.”  

Police do not believe Brooks knew anyone participating in or attending the parade, according to Thompson.  

Thompson said one officer fired shots at the SUV in an attempt to stop the threat but had to stop due to the civilians in the area.  

Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard said his first responders likened the scene to a “warzone,” describing what they saw as “carnage.” 

Authorities said the presence of several off-duty firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel and Pro Healthcare staff who were attending the parade helped provide immediate assistance to the injured victims. Howard said some civilian bystanders helped transport victims to hospitals.  

“Very, very overwhelmed by the response of the community to this tragedy,” said Howard. “Our hearts go out to the families and the victims of this senseless tragedy, and we appreciate all the assistance and support that has been offered to the City of Waukesha Fire Department.” 

Howard said victims were transported to six area hospitals, and that the number of injured victims may rise based on information being gathered.  

Allen Johnson, vice president of critical care and specialty services for Pro Healthcare, said that 29 of the 48 victims were transported to Waukesha Memorial Hospital, just blocks from the parade route. One victim was pronounced dead on arrival.  

Johnson said many of the victims that were brought to Waukesha Memorial were children.  

“After initial assessment, stabilization and treatment, we transferred 11 of those (victims) to Children’s of Wisconsin,” said Johnson. “Four victims were admitted to Waukesha Memorial. They are all currently stable, and many of them will likely discharge from the hospital today.”  

Johnson said 12 people were treated in Waukesha Memorial’s emergency department and released.  

“In addition to those who were on duty at Waukesha Memorial last night, many others rushed to the hospital to help,” said Johnson. “They included nearly every one of our emergency department physicians, countless surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitalists and nurses. What I saw on display last night, in response to this crisis, was nothing but the highest level of professionalism.” 

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly spoke at the news conference Monday, announcing the collaboration between the Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County to create the United for Waukesha Community Fund.  

The fund will support the needs of families that were impacted by the tragedy.  

“For those of you who do not live in Waukesha, you need to know that Waukesha is a community that helps their neighbors,” said Reilly. “Waukesha looks after each other. We are a community that will come together.” 

Waukesha Schools Superintendent James Sebert announced schools will remain closed until Monday, Nov. 29. Sebert said the district will be providing “internal assistance” as well as resources outside the district to support kids, families and staff.  

“We are focused on our kids, our staff and our families, and making resources available to them,” said Sebert. “We ask that you respect the privacy of our students, staff and families, and that you do not try to interview them at our school sites.” 

Although classes are not in session, Sebert said counseling and lunch services will be available.  

Reilly said there will be a resource center set up at Carroll University “in the following days.”  

“Waukesha will not be defined by the horrific events of last night,” Reilly said. “We have so much healing that needs to occur.”