2025 Waukesha Christmas Parade; police investigate concerning social post
Waukesha Christmas Parade threat, arrest made
Waukesha police announced on Monday, Dec. 8 that officers investigated a publicly shared social media post that raised safety concerns related to the City of Waukesha Christmas Parade.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Waukesha police announced on Monday, Dec. 8 that officers investigated a publicly shared social media post that raised safety concerns related to the City of Waukesha Christmas Parade.
Concerning social media post
What we know:
A news release from the Waukesha Police Department said the post seen on Sunday, Dec. 7, contained language that, due to its timing and content, was interpreted as potentially threatening in nature.
The statement began circulating online shortly before the parade was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and prompted immediate review by law enforcement. Officers initiated an immediate investigation.
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Officials said the individual responsible for the post was located and taken into custody without incident. There was no ongoing threat to the public.
Dig deeper:
The Waukesha Police Department worked in coordination with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department to ensure a thorough response. Officials said they appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting concerns.
2025 Waukesha Christmas Parade symbolizes holiday spirit, resilience
The City of Waukesha held its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 7. It was a time for the community to come together to embrace the holiday and remember those lost in the attack on the parade in 2021.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Waukesha Police Department.
Sensitivity in Waukesha
Local perspective:
Of course, there is extreme sensitivity in Waukesha with the Christmas parade. In 2021, a driver intentionally drove through the route. He killed six people and physically hurt nearly 70 others.
FOX6 News spoke with the executive director of the local chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The group provides programming for anyone impacted by the parade through the United for Waukesha Resiliency Center.
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"I could not believe that someone would actually do that – given what this community has been through. And the fact that people are still recovering from the trauma of that parade – at the Resiliency Center, we continue to get new referrals every single week," said Mary Madden, Executive Director, NAMI of Southeast Wisconsin.
Dig deeper:
FOX6 News spoke with the wife of the man who was taken into custody because of this incident. She told FOX6 News her husband had a mental health episode on Sunday, and that his post was misconstrued. She said she was injured in the 2021 parade attack – and that the post had nothing to do with hurting anyone at the parade.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by the Waukesha Police Department.