Truck kills one, barely misses Wasserman Schultz at Florida Pride event

A pickup truck ran over two people, killing one of them, and narrowly missed a member of Congress during a pride parade in South Florida on Saturday evening, according to WPLG Local 10.

A white pickup truck was lined up with other floats at the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival in Wilton Manors on Saturday evening when the driver reportedly hit the gas pedal and ran over two bystanders, WPLG reported. Wilton Manors is just north of Fort Lauderdale.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), who was present at the parade and sitting in a convertible, was almost hit by the vehicle. The Florida lawmaker later confirmed on Twitter that she, her staff and others were safe.

“I am deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost and others seriously injured at tonight’s @WiltonManorsCty Stonewall #Pride Parade. My staff, volunteers and I are thankfully safe,” Wasserman Schultz tweeted. 

I am deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost and others seriously injured at tonight’s @WiltonManorsCty Stonewall #Pride Parade. My staff, volunteers and I are thankfully safe.

— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) June 20, 2021 

“We’re praying for the victims and their loved ones as law enforcement investigates, and I am providing them with whatever assistance I can. I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration. May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing,” she added. 

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis (D) said that one of the two people struck had died.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said the other victim is in critical condition, WPLG reported.

Trantalis said that police have taken the person operating the truck during the incident into custody, WSVN 7 News reported.

Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton responded to the incident, saying in a statement, “A tragic incident occurred at today’s Stonewall event. Out of respect for everyone involved the parade has been cancelled and a thorough investigation is being conducted.”

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony tweeted that “authorities were still gathering information” about the incident. 

The Hill has reached out to the Broward Sheriff’s Office for comment. 

Updated 11:24 p.m.