Senators Baldwin and Johnson Lead Resolution to Remember First Anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced a bipartisan resolution to remember the anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy on November 21, 2021. The Senate resolution honors the 6 individuals who lost their lives and the 62 others who were injured.

“One year ago, the Waukesha community was devastated by senseless violence during what should have been a joyous celebration,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution to honor the victims, our first responders and the impacted community members as we come together to heal from this tragedy and remember those we have lost too soon.”

“The Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre was a horrific attack that never should have happened. Today, we remember those killed, injured and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said Senator Johnson. “Families who came to see Santa Claus, high school bands and the Dancing Grannies instead witnessed a horror that will leave life-long psychological scars. My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Waukesha as they continue to recover from this tragedy.”

The full text of the Senate Resolution can be found here and below.

An online version of this release is available here.

Recognizing the 1-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021, and honoring the 6 individuals who lost their lives and the 62 others who were injured.

Whereas, on November 21, 2021, the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and the City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce held the 58th annual Waukesha Christmas Parade, which has for more than 50 years brought residents of Wisconsin together to celebrate the holiday season with family, friends, and neighbors;

Whereas attendees and participants of the parade included hundreds of children, families, and valued community institutions such as local law enforcement, public safety professionals, school groups, business leaders, and dance troupes, including the beloved “Dancing Grannies”;

Whereas, on the day of the parade, a perpetrator committed a senseless attack, driving through the parade barricades and ramming into the crowd of attendees and parade participants;

Whereas police officers bravely attempted to intervene to stop the ongoing attack;

Whereas the perpetrator caused the death of 6 individuals and the injury of 62 other individuals, including 17 children;

Whereas local hospitals and health professionals cared for many of the injured, several of whom continue to suffer long term effects from their injuries;

Whereas countless individuals were injured by the immeasurable and lasting trauma of witnessing the attack;

Whereas, on October 26, 2022, a jury of 12 Wisconsinites found the accused perpetrator guilty on 76 counts, including 6 counts of first-degree intentional homicide;

Whereas the Waukesha community continues to contend with the aftermath of the tragic attack and will do so for years to come;

Whereas members of the Waukesha community will be stronger for having supported one another during and in the aftermath of the attack; and

Whereas, despite such tragedy, the City of Waukesha and Waukesha Chamber of Commerce will continue the tradition of hosting the Waukesha Christmas Parade, which has brought joy to the community for more than half a century: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the 1-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021, and condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms;

(2) honors the memories of Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson, and Jackson Sparks;

(3) recognizes the strength of the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and the resilience of the community in response to the attack;

(4) applauds the bravery of the first responders and medical professionals who responded to the attack and cared for the injured; and

(5) offers heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and neighbors who lost loved ones in the attack.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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