“The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Wilton Manors Police Department, we send our deepest condolences to the families, to the victims, to the participants, everyone affected by this incident,” said the Fort Lauderdale Police spokesperson.
#Gay pride parade in wilton manors fl driver
In a statement issued to 7News late Saturday night, Justin Knight, president of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, said the victims were chorus members, and the driver was “part of the Chorus family.” He does not believe it was an attack on the LGBTQ community. Hopefully, God willing, it’s not what I thought, my first thought and my first reaction,” said Lisa Izquierdo, who said she heard the crash. People who were at the parade were shocked by what happened. “This investigation is active, and we are considering and evaluation all possibilities,” said Fort Lauderdale Police detective Ali Adamson. May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing.”Īs of Saturday night, police have not confirmed whether or not the driver crashed on purpose. I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration. She wrote, “We’re praying for the victims and their loved ones as law enforcement investigates, and I am providing them with whatever assistance I can.
#Gay pride parade in wilton manors fl series
The lawmaker addressed the crash in a series of tweets. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., was one of the public officials who took part in the event and was reportedly near the crash. Be sure to hug the ones you love tonight.” Our prayers are with the victims and their families. I’m proud of all the BSO and local first responders who leaped into action, running into the unknown and instantly provided care for the victims. Several officials were in attendance when the incident occurred.īroward Sheriff Gregory Tony tweeted, “This tragedy took place within feet of me and my BSO team, and we are devastated having witnessed this horrific incident. “You can’t go anywhere anymore without fear for your safety and fear for your life,” said Coleman. Fort Lauderdale Police later confirmed the death. The mayor said one of the patients succumbed to his injuries.
Trantalis said the driver attempted to flee but police officers caught up with him and took him into custody. Investigators said both victims are male but could not confirm their ages. We had no idea,” she said.įort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said paramedics transported both victims to Broward Health Medical Center in critical condition. “We heard all the cops rushing there, but we thought it was the start of the parade. We saw the emergency vehicles approaching.”Īnother witness said she was initially confused as to what had occurred. “We were waiting for the parade to begin, and all of a sudden there was a thud,” she said. Witness Stephanie Coleman said she was feet away from where the crash took place. He was conscious, but he was in rough shape.” “I went to try to help the one guy that was bleeding from the head.
“I was behind the vehicle, and it revved up and just took off and struck people,” he said. Witness David Banter told 7News the incident unfolded right in front of him. Moments later, the driver is seen being detained by police. Surveillance footage shows the moment the pickup truck crashed into the Fort Lauderdale Garden Center. “A white pickup truck came barreling across the parade,” he said. It was at that moment when, Trantalis said, the driver accelerated, running over the victims.