On Sunday night, an SUV rushed into the city’s Christmas parade, killing 5 people and injuring more than 40 people. On Monday morning, downtown Waukesha was exceptionally quiet.

Earlier in the day, yellow tape and police cars with flashing warning lights still blocked the streets where festival traditions were subverted.

Cindy Hollaran said she felt she was turned upside down. Holaran is the Director of Graduate Admissions at Carroll University. It is only a few blocks south of the parade route.

"We were greatly affected. There were a lot of people from Carol present, including the military band from the university," Hollaran said. "I guess there was a student who got a little scratched and was not thrown on the ground. That's the extent I know."

During the vigil on Monday, Holaran, Carroll University senior student Scottee Hoff and others crowded the university chapel.

Hoff is the president of the student union and did not sleep much on Sunday night, even though she did not participate in the parade. She said that her friend participated in this event.

Hoff said: "Although this is a tragedy, but despite its devastation, you can see how many people gather in today's service. I think it's time for us to truly depend on each other."

Hoff is one of Carol's students and goes home early for the Thanksgiving holiday.

"I think it's very important for all of us to go home and spend time with our loved ones," Hough said.

Like many people, Rita Sabella saw the horror of the holiday parade on her TV screen.

"I saw the video. It was terrible, terrible," Sabella said.

Sabella is a lifelong resident of Wakosha, and she chose not to watch Sunday's parade in person. But she said that if she was not sick, her grand-niece would be there.

"She stayed at home. Thank God. She was a member of the dance troupe and the dancers were hit there," Sabella said.

Understandably, the residents of Wakosha seem to be in a state of shock. In Sabella's words, they are focusing on the necessities of life.

"Hold your family tightly, because you never know what will happen. You never know what will happen tomorrow or the next day," Sabella said.

The man suspected of driving an SUV to the parade is expected to be charged with five counts of intentional homicide later on Tuesday.