Waukesha Christmas Parade: Milwaukee 'Dancing Grannies' Confirmed Among Dead
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies have confirmed some of its members were among those killed after an SUV plowed into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday.
At least five people were killed and more than 40 others injured, city officials have said, when the driver of the red vehicle sped through barricades about 4:40 p.m. local time, striking people taking part.
Officials are still gathering information and have not released any more information about the victims at this stage.
But the Dancing Grannies troupe confirmed in a statement early Monday that its members were among the dead.
"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," the group said in a Facebook post.
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"Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed.....joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue....held us together."
The post added: "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 group's Facebook profile describes them as a "group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades."
In an earlier statement, the group asked people to "keep the Grannies, all those injured, and all those who witnessed this horrible event in your thoughts and prayers."
A Catholic priest, several parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured in the incident, according to Sandra Peterson, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
"Please join us in prayer for all those involved, their families, and those who are traumatized from witnessing the horrible scene," Peterson said.
The Waukesha school district canceled classes on Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff at school buildings.
At a news conference on Sunday night, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said the SUV involved in the incident had been recovered and a "person of interest" is in custody. He did not release any further details about the person or a possible motive.
Thompson also said that a police officer had fired several shots to try to stop the vehicle and that no bystanders were injured by the gunfire.
Update 22/11/21 8.55 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
