WAUKESHA, Wis. — The first 24 hours following the tragedy in downtown Waukesha were hard to process for witnesses like Alex Ciriaco.

The 19-year-old joined his family Sunday for an evening he thought would be filled with fun and holiday cheer. That however, soon turned into chaos and fear. Capturing on video the moment a red SUV sped through barricades barreling into crowds of parade goers, Ciriaco and his family ran towards the road to help anyone they could. 

“We walked through and we see all these people and like bodies, just everything, [and] kids,” said Alex Ciriaco. “I’m not one to get sentimental, to be honest, but seeing the kids is something that hit me and put me in shock.”

His family rushed to look for church friends from St. Joseph Catholic Church who were in attendance and participating in the parade. Ciriaco says he knew many were only Spanish speaking and wanted to be able to help translate for first responders and get aid for those hurt.

“Personally it was just the language barrier and [I was] really trying to help the people that were affected,” said Ciriaco. “Making sure that you have someone who is from your community that wants to help you that wants to make sure you’re safe.”

Pointing at the short clips he captured on his phone, Ciriaco still felt disbelief of what had occurred.

“I was just immobilized, quiet, silent, I don’t know it was like the world had paused,” said Ciriaco.

The Ciriaco family is still waiting to hear updates on the condition of church members. 

An initial court appearance was held for the suspect Tuesday. Darrel Brooks Jr., 39, of Milwaukee, was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide with a possibly of additional charges.