Dead in Christmas parade: Investigators rule out terrorist act

Why did a car crash into a Christmas parade in the United States, killing five people? For the investigators, one thing is certain: it was not an act of terrorism. The driver came from a domestic argument.

There was no terrorist background and the alleged perpetrator was traveling alone – that’s how far the investigative authorities put themselves in Waukesha in the US state of Wisconsin is now firmly established. Apparently the suspect was involved in a domestic dispute before he got into his car a few minutes later and drove off.

According to the police, it is still unclear why the 39-year-old broke through a barrier with the red SUV, raced along the Christmas parade and finally drove the car into a group of people. The driver did not flee from the police, the investigators emphasized. However, a police officer later fired a shot to stop the man. The shot missed and hit no one.

Five fatalities

The five fatalities are four women between 52 and 79 years and an 81-year-old man. Another 48 people were injured, including many children. Two children are in critical condition, Police Chief Dan Thompson said at a press conference at noon, local time. The suspect is now due to be charged with five homicides.

With many videos, partly through surveillance cameras, partly by spectators, what happened is documented in detail: Late on Sunday afternoon (local time), the parade passed through the main street of the city when the red SUV drove over the plastic barges, from the end Coming to the parade, raced past the foot groups, dancers and bands and then raced into the crowd – unrestrained and apparently with the aim of injuring people.

Biden offers his condolences to family members

US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the relatives. Waukesha Mayor Sean Reilly said, “I am deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to parade and ended up with injury and pain.”