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WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor the victims of the horrific attack on the Waukesha Christmas Parade. Following the Senator’s remarks, a moment of silence was observed to remember those killed, injured, and impacted by the tragedy. 

The Senator delivered the following remarks:

“On Sunday, November 21, 2021, a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, meant to usher in a season of peace on earth, goodwill toward men turned into a nightmare. One eight year old child and five adults were murdered. Sixty-two others were injured. Some of the injured, including three children, remain in critical condition - their lives forever altered. 

“Families with their children who came to see Santa Claus, high school bands, and the Dancing Grannies instead witnessed a horror that will leave life-long psychological scars. First responders and law enforcement who rushed in to administer first aid and compassionately deal with the tragedy will be burdened by their terrible memories for the rest of their lives. 

“As is so often the case, in the midst of an awful event caused by the worst in humanity, the absolute best of humanity is fully revealed. This is what we are witnessing in Waukesha. The healing process is already begun. The healing process began immediately as members of the community came together to help the victims and survivors.  The very next evening, hundreds of people gathered at an interfaith prayer vigil to pray for healing and strength.  I had the privilege of attending that vigil and speaking to members of the community, first responders, and those who knew the victims.  It was a moving experience that I will never forget - sorrowful and yet hopeful. From that experience, I have no doubt that the citizens of Waukesha will recover from this tragedy - but it will take time and a great deal of effort. It will also be the responsibility of civil society to administer justice for this heinous act of evil, because the victims and the community of Waukesha deserve justice.

“Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to bring back the six innocent souls who perished.  

                            Virginia Sorenson

                            Leanna Owen

                            Tamara Durand

                            Jane Kulich

                            Wilhelm Hospel, and

                            Jackson Sparks, who was only 8 years old.

“But we can pray for healing for those broken in both body and spirit and also pray for those who will help them heal.  

“We can also show our support by offering a moment of silence here on the floor of the United States Senate which I will ask for following remarks by my colleague from Wisconsin, who I now yield to.”

“Mr. President, I now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in memory of, and to recognize, those killed, injured, and forever impacted by the attack on the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021.” 

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