Local leaders react to Darrell Brooks' guilty verdict

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Community members and local leaders are reacting Wednesday after Darrell Brooks was found guilty on all counts in the Waukesha Christmas parade trial.

A press conference was held Wednesday afternoon following the verdict. Waukesha DA Sue Opper spoke, along with victims and family members affected by the tragedy.

The city of Waukesha released a statement following the verdict that said in part, "Over the past several weeks, many in our community have had to re-live the trauma of last year's Christmas Parade tragedy. We know the pain and horror that this has brought for so many. Today, we are glad that the trial is over and that justice will be served for all those impacted by this tragedy."

"I am thankful that the jury found the defendant guilty on all counts," said Mayor Shawn Reilly. "We can now re-focus on taking steps forward as a community and continue the healing process."

Other Wisconsin leaders released statements Wednesday afternoon offering thoughts to Waukesha and thanking Judge Dorow and the jury for their service. 

Kathy and I are thinking of the Waukesha community and all those who today received justice for the senseless, violent attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade last year.

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) October 26, 2022

We continue to pray for peace & healing for families of those killed & hurt in Waukesha Parade. Today’s verdict is just, & we offer thanks to the judge, jury, & DA for their diligence. We must do more to prevent violent criminals from wreaking devastation in all our communities.

— Cavalier Johnson (@CavalierJohnson) October 26, 2022

Senator Ron Johnson released a statement following the verdict Wednesday that read:

“Justice has been served for the victims and families of the Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre. I hope and pray this verdict will bring them some measure of peace and closure.

“I want to thank Judge Dorow for her service and patience putting up with this murderer.”