Skip to Content

Wisconsin senators warn in rare joint statement outsiders may try to exploit Waukesha tragedy for ‘political purposes’

Driver plows through a Wisconsin holiday parade on Nov. 21
City of Waukesha/MGN
Driver plows through a Wisconsin holiday parade on Nov. 21

By Ross Levitt and Daniella Diaz, CNN

In a rare joint statement, Wisconsin Sens. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, and Ron Johnson, a Republican, warned Saturday outsiders may be looking to exploit the tragedy that unfolded last weekend in Waukesha.

“It has come to our attention that outside individuals or groups may attempt to exploit the tragedy that occurred last Sunday in Waukesha for their own political purposes,” the statement said. “As the U.S. Senators representing Wisconsin, one from each political party, we are asking anyone considering such action to cease and desist.”

Six people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed and more than 60 were injured after a driver rammed an SUV through a Christmas parade in downtown Waukesha last Sunday.

Prosecutors believe the driver was Darrell E. Brooks, 39, and they have charged him with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide and will consider a sixth homicide charge over the boy’s death.

The senators’ statement did not provide details about why they issued the warning, but said they both have “full confidence in the local officials who responded with extraordinary professionalism, competence, integrity and compassion.”

“They have many difficult duties to perform in the coming days, weeks, and months, and they should be afforded the respect and support they deserve to undertake their responsibilities without outside interference,” the senators’ statement said.

They added officials’ top priorities now are to “begin the healing process” and conduct a “thorough investigation and afford the accused full due process.”

“These will not be easy tasks, and will be made even more difficult if conducted within a politically charged atmosphere,” the statement said. “We ask everyone to demonstrate their interest and concern by praying for the victims, their families, and the entire community of Waukesha.”

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content