MILWAUKEE – In response to the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas parade on Sunday that left five dead and dozens more injured, State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:
“What happened in Waukesha yesterday was a tragedy. Communities across our state deserve the peace of mind to participate in beloved holiday traditions without fear, and that peace was shattered in Waukesha yesterday afternoon by this senseless act of violence. While we still don’t have all of the facts about what led to yesterday’s horrific events, what is clear is that all of those touched by yesterday’s tragedy are reeling, and we must do everything we can to support them and the entire Waukesha community as they heal from these unimaginable events.”
Yesterday afternoon at around 4:39pm, a red SUV broke through a barrier and plowed into Waukesha community members participating in the city’s annual Christmas parade, killing five and leaving over 40 more with injuries. Yesterday evening, Waukesha police were able to recover the SUV used in the incident and take a person of interest into custody, though police have not yet announced any specific motivations in the case.
“While information continues to come together around what events or motivations led to this tragedy, we owe it to the victims and the greater community not to speculate, but to leave the hard work of investigating this crime up to Waukesha police.
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and I pray that they find peace in this difficult time. I also want to encourage my fellow community members to attend one of the vigils being organized in Waukesha this evening to show support and strength to victims and the community, to donate blood through the Red Cross or Versiti in this time of heightened need, or, if able, to donate to one of the local funds for victims of this tragedy and their families. And for anyone experiencing emotional distress as a result of this tragic act of violence, help is available – you can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 at any time to be connected to a trained counselor.
Our Wisconsin communities are strong, and with love, empathy, and care, we will get through this tragedy together.”
