1 useless after driver crashes into crowd at Pride parade in Florida

A driver slammed into spectators Saturday night at first of a Pride parade in South Florida, killing one man and severely injuring one other, authorities stated.Some witnesses stated the crash gave the impression to be an intentional act, however Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Ali Adamson advised reporters that authorities had been investigating all prospects.The collision occurred through the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade. Wilton Manors is simply north of Fort Lauderdale.The driver and the victims had been part of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus household, based on a press release reported by information shops from the group’s president, Justin Knight.“To my knowledge it was an accident. This was not an attack on the LGBTQ community,” Knight stated within the assertion. “We anticipate more details to follow and ask for the community’s love and support.”Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis stated a driver of a pickup truck all of the sudden accelerated when he was advised he was subsequent within the parade, crashing into the victims, based on WSVN-TV. In the rapid aftermath of the crash, Trantalis stated he believed the crash was “deliberate.”Police stated the motive force was taken into custody, but it surely was unclear whether or not he had been charged.Photos and video from the scene confirmed Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in tears whereas in a convertible on the parade.In a press release Saturday night time, Wasserman Schultz stated she was secure however “deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost.”“I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration,” she stated. “May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing.”Spectator Christina Currie advised the South Florida SunSentinel that she was together with her household at first of the parade.“All of a sudden there was a loud revving of a truck and a crash through a fence,” Currie stated. “It was definitely an intentional act right across the lanes of traffic.”Wilton Manors police tweeted Saturday night time that the general public will not be at risk.“Though authorities are still gathering information, we know two individuals marching to celebrate inclusion and equality were struck by a vehicle,” Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony stated in a press release. “This tragedy took place within feet of me and my (Broward Sheriff’s Office) team, and we are devastated having witnessed this horrific incident.”June is Pride Month, commemorating the June 1969 police raid concentrating on homosexual patrons on the Stonewall Inn in New York that led to an rebellion of LGBTQ Americans and served as a catalyst for the homosexual rights motion.