Several dead after car rams into Christmas parade in Wisconsin, suspect charged

A Wisconsin man was charged with five counts of murder after he allegedly plowed through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday, killing at least five and injuring about 48 people. The victims were women aged 79, 71, 52 and 52. A man, 81, was also killed.

The suspect, Darrell Brooks, was taken into custody near the scene after a Waukesha police officer opened fire to try to stop the vehicle, according to officials. Brooks was charged with five counts of intentional homicide, which is the legal equivalent of first-degree murder in Wisconsin, and carries a life sentence upon conviction, CBS Chicago reported.

Brooks was involved in a domestic stabbing incident before the crash. It’s however unclear who the victim was, officials told NBC News.

Brooks had fled the scene of that domestic incident before officers arrived there, Police Chief Dan Thompson said. Thompson said this was not an act of terrorism.

39-year-old Brooks has a lengthy criminal record. According to CBS Chicago, online court records showed he has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. There are at least three other convictions for violent behavior.

President Joe Biden on Monday mourned the lives lost in the holiday parade at Waukesha, adding that he and his family are praying for the community.

“Last night, the people of Waukesha were gathered to celebrate the start of a season of hope, togetherness and thanksgiving,” Biden said at the White House. “This morning, Jill and I — and the entire Biden family and I’m sure all of us — pray that that same spirit is going to embrace and lift up all the victims of this tragedy, bringing comfort to those recovering from the injuries and wrapping the families of those that die in the support of their community.”