Parishioners participating in a Christmas parade are victims of a criminal incident, in the United States

Newsroom (November 26, 2021, 4:30 PM, Gaudium Press) Last Sunday, November 21, at least five people were killed and some forty injured after a driver ran over passersby at a Christmas parade in the United States.

A driver speeding through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killed five people and injured as many. Among the injured are a priest, some parishioners and Catholic school children.

Archbishop Jerome Listecki, as pastor of the community, expressed his solidarity with the victims and families through a video message. The Archbishop stressed the importance of keeping the faith that makes us feel God’s loving presence.

Soon after the disaster, the four parishes in the city broadcasted the recitation of the rosary and Eucharistic adoration on social networks for the victims and their families.

The tragic event occurred at around 4:40 pm (local time) when the car overran the site. Most of the fatal victims belonged to a group of ladies and among the injured were at least 18 children.

The driver Darrell Brooks Jr has been identified as the perpetrator. Brooks may receive five counts of felony murder in court. Authorities have confirmed that Brooks’ criminal history is significant ranging from endangering the lives of others, domestic violence and an alleged hit-and-run.

Authorities have ruled out the possibility of terrorism. (FM)

Compiled by Sarah Gangl