A driver blew past police barricades and plowed into a group of people marching in a Christmas parade in Wisconsin on Sunday — killing multiple people and injuring others, including children, officials said.
The carnage left at least 11 adults and 12 children injured during the annual celebration in the city of Waukesha shortly after 4:40 p.m. local time, according to Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard.
A person of interest was in custody and police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, according to Police Chief Daniel Thompson.
"Today we experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy," Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said at a Sunday night press briefing.
"A parade is a celebration for our community. Today our community faced horror and tragedy in what should have been a community celebration," the mayor said.
Witnesses had reported that shots were fired by the driver, but police later clarified that an officer discharged their weapon at the vehicle.
No bystanders were stuck by the gunfire, Thompson said.
"At the Waukesha Holiday parade and a car just broke through the police line, plowing through pedestrians and firing rounds out the window," Zach Heisler tweeted. "Family and I are safe. Happened 20 feet in front of us."
One witness reported that the driver ran over "several elderly women," part of the group The Dancing Grannies, who perform at the town's holiday parade annually.
Another witness said that four of the Dancing Grannies were on the ground motionless after they were hit, according to Courtney Sisk of WISN.
"Right in front of my family, this man drives through the parade hitting as many people as possible while shooting out the window," a parade attendee tweeted. "He ran over several elderly women who were dancing in the parade and many others please pray for everyone in Waukesha.
A horrifying video caught a bird's-eye-view of the alleged attack. A red vehicle approaches the rear of what appears to be a marching band before accelerating and smashing into paraders and spectators...
More at the link, pics, videos:
20 injured when SUV plows into spectators at parade in Wisconsin