WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov 23 – Police here are saying the suspect in the weekend SUV attack has a criminal record. Darrell Brooks, 39, had previously been charged with reckless endangerment, battery, obstructing an officer, and disorderly conduct. Close to the time of the parade, police even received a call specifically about Brooks being in a domestic disturbance involving a knife, but couldn’t respond as they were busy with the parade.
The attack on November 21st has claimed the lives of five innocent civilians and injured 48– including six children, some of whom are currently in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52, LeAnna Owen, 71, Virginia Sorenson, 79, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81. Some of the deceased were members of the “Dancing Grannies” dance troupe, who have operated for years in Milwaukee. Police have yet to identify a motive for the attack, but have confirmed that they believe it was done intentionally.
“He drove right through the barricades and the officers,” said Daniel Thompson, Waukesha Police Chief. The police have also come to the conclusion that terrorism was not the motive, and that Brooks acted alone and of his own accord. At this time there is no information that implies that Brooks had any connection to anyone at the parade, making the motive more unclear.
A mobile phone video of the attack was recorded by a parade attendee, which shows a red SUV charge through the parade and into the surrounding crowd, seemingly hitting at least a dozen people. Due to its graphic content, the video will not be hosted here, but can be accessed alongside the full details at Reuters.
United States President Joe Biden commented on the tragedy, saying “The entire community is struggling, struggling to cope with these horrific acts of violence.” Schools in the area received Monday off as well as specialized counsellors to help any affected students. Memorial services were also conducted on Monday, honoring those who were killed in the attack. Hundreds of attendees are reported to have attended a nearby memorial. Before yesterday’s NBA game, the Milwaukee Bucks also had a moment of silence for the victims of the attack, while the baseball team, The Milwaukee Brewers, hosted a fundraiser on Tuesday with all proceeds being matched by David Stearns, Brewers’ President of Baseball Operations. These funds will be donated to the United for Waukesha Community Fund.
As a result of the attack, Brooks is currently set to face five counts of first-degree homicide. We’ll keep you updated as further details on this story emerge.
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