Law enforcement officials identified a suspect who allegedly mowed down several people at a Waukesha, Wisconsin Christmas parade Sunday, leaving five dead and more than 40 injured.
As reported by the Washington Post, the driver was fleeing from a knife fight at the time of the incident, where children were dancing in the street and a marching band played “Jingle Bells.”
Suspect Darrell Brooks, 39, was at the scene of the reported knife fight then sped away in a red SUV when police arrived at the scene.
The death and injured count could increase as more information is gathered.
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said the investigation was still “very fluid” and that it was “unknown at this time whether the incident has any nexus to terrorism.”
He did not comment on the possible motive, but said that Brooks has a number of prior criminal arrests.
Waukesha Fire Chief Steven Howard said first responders activated their “mass casualty protocols” and took 23 people to hospitals, including 12 children. Additional people were transported to medical facilities by police and family members.
“Today we experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy,” Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said. “I walked in the parade at the beginning. I saw all the happy children sitting on the curb. I saw all the happy parents behind their children. I can still see the smiling faces.”
