5 dead and 50 injured in the US Christmas Parade

On Sunday, a vehicle slammed into a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, killing five people and wounding 40 more, according to police.

As fans in Waukesha, a Milwaukee suburb, observed the annual tradition, officials were still gathering information on the event, which occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. (2230 GMT).

"The Waukesha Christmas parade was taking place when a red SUV broke through the barricades, westbound, headed down Main Street," Police Chief Dan Thompson told reporters.

"The vehicle struck more than 20 individuals, some of the individuals were children and there were some fatalities as a result of this incident," he said earlier today.

According to Fire Chief Steven Howard, a total of 11 adults and 12 children were transported to six regional hospitals.

Thompson stated a "person of interest" had been apprehended, and officers had collected the implicated vehicle. Officials during the press briefing indicated there were no more threats.

According to the authorities, a cop fired at the SUV in an attempt to halt it.

While the inquiry is ongoing, Thompson said schools will not open Monday and roadways will stay closed.

President Joe Biden has received a briefing on the situation and the White House is "closely monitoring the situation in Waukesha and our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this terrible incident," said a White House official.

"We have reached out to state and local officials to offer any support and assistance as needed," added the official.

While local law enforcement were the first to arrive, the FBI stated that it was assisting them.