Waukesha parade news latest: Suspect Darrell Brooks identified after deadly attack

A vigil in honour of the victims of the Christmas parade attack is scheduled to be held on Monday night.

It will take place at 5pm CT at Cutler Park, hosted by the Association of Waukesha Congregations.

More details available here.

The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on Monday confirmed it has treated 18 kids injured in the Christmas parade crash.

Hospital officials are slated to hold a press conference about the tragedy at 11am CT.

Authorities have said at least five people were killed and 40 others injured when a car plowed into the parade on Sunday night. They did not specify which victims were children.

Former President Donald Trump released a statement about the Waukesha tragedy on Monday morning, calling it “devastating, horrible and very very sick”.

“My heart goes out to the people of this great, beautiful, and hardworking community,” he wrote.

“We must find answers to this terrible crime, and stop these violent and depraved acts from happening again. I am with you Waukesha, and always will be!”

Terrifying footage captured the moment a red SUV barrelled down the parade route before striking dozens of people.

In the video, the car is seen traveling at a high speed behind a high school band and passing rows of cheerleaders waving flags.

Seconds later, witnesses are seen reacting in horror as a police officer rushes in the direction of the car.

Darrell Brooks, the man suspected of plowing his car into the parade, boasts a lengthy rap sheet, according to reports.

He was released from jail on $1,000 bail just two days before Sunday’s crash, per Milwaukee County court records.

The records show he was arrested on 5 November on charges of domestic abuse, resisting an officer, and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Mr Brooks has another open felony case for second-degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon from July 2020.

He has convictions dating back to 1999, according to Wisconsin court records.

The man suspected of plowing his car into crowds at Waukesha’s Christmas parade has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell E Brooks of Wisconsin.

Mr Brooks, 39, was named on Monday morning by multiple news outlets, including NBC News and the Associated Press. Waukesha Police have yet to issue an official confirmation.

Police have said a man was taken into custody for questioning as a person of interest shortly after the attack on Sunday.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

The man has not been officially named as of 10am ET Monday.

Local police chief Dan Thompson said in a press conference that his department had detained the suspected driver and seized the red Ford Escape but that he did not yet know whether the driver’s actions had any connection to terrorism.

Witnesses described the car as having accelerated along the parade route and “going from side to side, targeting people”.

The Independent’s Joe Sommerlad explains everything we know about the suspect so far:

The City of Waukesha has announced a fundraiser for victims of Sunday’s deadly parade crash.

The “United for Waukesha Community Fund” is a joint effort by the Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way.

Donations can be made here.

The man who plowed into Waukesha’s Christmas parade on Sunday may have been fleeing from the scene of another incident, law enforcement sources told CNN.

The sources cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages.

They said investigators have yet to find any links to international or domestic terrorism, or to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict in Kenosha on Friday.

A person of interest in the crash was taken into custody but his name has not been released by police.

Members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies were among the victims killed on Sunday, the group confirmed in a Facebook post.

“The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade,” the group wrote early Monday.

“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. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.

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

“Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted . Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone who lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports: