Wisconsin parade news – latest: Two Illinois cities boost security ahead of 134th Christmas procession

At least two cities in Illinois have amended Christmas parades and enhanced security plans following the tragedy in Waukesha, Wisconsin, last weekend, with authorities informing the public to “expect to see more police barriers and city vehicles”.

The parades, which include the Santa Claus procession in Peoria on Friday, are popular events and allegedly the longest running Christmas parade in the US, having occurred 133 times before.

In Galesburg, Illinois, a second Christmas parade will similarly take place next weekend with enhanced security, and assurances from authorities of public safety.

It follows a fundraiser for 39-year-old Darrell Brooks being removed by GoFundMe after the page violated its terms by asking for donations totalling $5m (£3.7m) to free the accused from bail.

Mr Brooks, who police believe wanted to strike “as many people as possible” when he raced his car through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday, was described in the fundraiser as a “friend”.

A criminal complaint filed on Tuesday has meanwhile accused Mr Brooks of having “no emotion” when he drove down the parade route, killing six people and wounding at least 47 others.

He was said to have fled from police responding to a call about a domestic dispute between him and another person hours earlier, and prosecutors plan to charge him with six counts of first-degree intentional homicide.

He is being held on $5m bail.

More than $1.5m has been raised to support victims of the attack and their families. The six people killed are: Tamara Durand, Jane Kulich, Wilhelm Hospel, Leanna Owen, Virginia “Ginny” Sorenson, and Jackson Sparks.

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Waukesha: What happened at the Wisconsin Christmas parade?

Wisconsin parade attack: Child becomes sixth person to die as Darrell Brooks faces fresh murder charge

Darrell Brooks had a history of domestic violence we should have taken seriously

Wisconsin parade: Terrifying video shows SUV passing inches behind dancing little girl

Key Points

• How a ‘Norman Rockwell-type’ Christmas parade turned into ‘senseless tragedy’

• Everything we know about suspect Darrell Brooks

• Video shows suspect going for sandwich moments after crashing car into parade

• New details about Waukesha attack emerge in criminal complaint

• Wisconsin lawmakers push for bail reform

Illinois city says ‘expect to see more police’ at Santa parade

17:25 , Gino Spocchia

The annual Christmas parade in Peoria, Illinois, is set to take place on Friday with a shortened route and extra security precautions following the tragedy in Waukesha, in neighbouring Wisconsin.

The city said in a press release:” Those attending the parades can expect to see more police barriers and city vehicles blocking several downtown streets and sidewalks. These additional precautions will provide an extra measure of safety for people standing along the parade route.”

Reminder: Who was the sixth victim?

16:30 , Gino Spocchia

The sixth victim was named on a GoFundMe page as Jackson Sparks, aged eight, on Tuesday.

Both he and his brother Tucker, 12, were injured when the SUV driven by Brooks entered the parade route.

Jackson underwent brain surgery on Sunday evening but succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Tuesday afternoon, writes Oliver O’Connell.

Tucker, 12, and eight-year-old Jackson Sparks, were injured in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy.

Child becomes sixth person to die after Wisconsin parade attack

Four children of single mother severely injured in Christmas parade tragedy

15:51 , Charlene Rodrigues

Four children of single mother Kathy Y, between the ages of 7-14 years were severely injured during the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy on Sunday.

The children have over the years routinely participated in the parade as part of the Waukesha Xtreme dance team.

“Two of her daughters were performing while her oldest daughter and son were passing out candy when an SUV drove through the parade striking over 50 people leaving many injured including all four of her children,” Kathy Y’s friend, Alicia Masino wrote on a fundraising page set up to cover the mounting medical expenses of all four children.

Masino listed the multiple injuries and surgeries for each child ranging from - fractured tailbone, bruised lungs, concussion, multiple bone and knee surgeries - including treatment for emotional trauma.

“Kathy Y. would like to keep the identities of her children private as they are emotionally and physically traumatized,” Masino said.

“She was reluctant to ask for help, however, as she prepares to leave Children’s Hospital it has become evident that the mounting hospital bills and ongoing therapies for four children will be significant.”

As a newly divorced parent, Masino said she will take temporary leave of absence from her job to care for her most injured child as his recovery is long term.

Why were previous allegations against Brooks not taken seriously?

15:30 , Gino Spocchia

Darrell Brooks, the man charged with driving his SUV into a Christmas parade in Wisconsin and killing six people, had a criminal history that included cases of domestic violence.

As Kathleen N Walsh writes, if the allegations against Mr Brooks — that he had already used a vehicle to attempt to seriously injure a woman he’d been formerly in a relationship with — were considered more seriously, then perhaps five families wouldn’t be mourning the deaths of their loved ones today.

We should have taken Darrell Brooks’ history seriously | Kathleen N. Walsh

Granny who danced her way through life was making her dancing debut at the Waukesha Christmas parade

14:07 , Charlene Rodrigues

Tammy Durand’s husband told The Daily Beast it was the first time she was dancing with the “Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.”

“She literally danced her way through life. She was the youngest (52) one in the Dancing Grannies. Dancing was her favorite thing,” Dave Durand told The Daily Beast.

She also worked as a hospice and critical care chaplain at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

“Tammy was a vibrant, loving and warm woman who we all miss deeply already. Her memory will bring joy to all who knew her,” her husband Dave Durand told WISN 12.

In 2009, Tammy saved a homeless man from drowning in the Wisconsin River.

She is survived by her husband, nine children and four grandchildren.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services launches Disaster Distress Helpline

13:40 , Charlene Rodrigues

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has launched a Disaster Distress helpline for those facing emotional distress relating to the horrific events due at the Waukesha Christmas parade on Sunday.

Sorenson family say Virginia reminded us ‘Angels watch over you'

12:52 , Charlene Rodrigues

In a heartfelt post, the Sorenson family described their granny, Virginia Sorenson as ‘ wife, mother, grandmother, and friend’ after she died in the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Sunday.

She was the leader of Dancing Grannies. But also “Everyone who knew Ginny knows she had a special soul, one that radiated with love. Her spirit was fierce and never aged”

“She was a caregiver through and through, whether caring for patients, family, and especially in caring for her beloved furry friends,” the family wrote on her fundraising page.

“She always reminded us that ‘Angels watch over you’, and we are blessed to have her watching over us all now.” Her granddaughter, Gabrielle Kamentz wrote on Facebook, “I’ll become the best nurse possible in her honor.”

The Sorenson family are accepting donations to cover Ginny’s funeral and memorial arrangements. They said any remaining funds will be passed on to her husband to support him in the difficult times ahead.

Police still asking for video footage of parade attack

17:47 , Gino Spocchia

The Waukesha Police Department are thought to still be seeking video evidence from members of the public after the attack last weekend, in which six people were killed and more than 40 people injured.

A Google document, as reported by the Washington Examiner, was still open for submissions on Thursday – two days after 39-year-old Darrell Brooks was charged with five counts of homicide.

He is expected to face a sixth charge, following the death of an eight-year-old on Tuesday afternoon.

The appeal from Waukesha’s police says “In light of the tragedy that occurred November 21, 2021 during the Christmas Parade, the Waukesha Police is seeking the assistance from the public in gathering pertinent video that may have been recorded during the incident.”

“To ensure quality of the videos, we are seeking only videos or photos that you recorded and which capture the vehicle traveling through the parade or fleeing the scene.”

Legal experts see case for intent in Waukesha parade crash

11:30 , Gino Spocchia

The man accused of plowing his SUV into a parade of Christmas marchers could have turned down a side street but didn’t. Once he passed it, he never touched the brakes — barreling through and leaving bodies in his wake, according to a criminal complaint

The Independent has more.

Legal experts see case for intent in Waukesha parade crash

Milwaukee Dancing Grannies ‘humbled by outpouring of love and generosity'

10:20 , Charlene Rodrigues

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are thankful to the community and the world for support and messages.

Four members died after Darrell Rimes, 39, drove his car through a Christmas parade in Waukesha on Sunday. Two are still hospitalised and exact details of their medical condition are unknown.

“At this time, the group is in shock and is mourning their enormous loss,” said Kelly Maddern who has been working with the Grannies through the Waukesha Police Department.

Maddern is fundraising to support the grannies and their families with medical and funeral costs.

“I have been working with the group to help take some responsibilities off their plate so they have the time they need to grieve,” Maddern wrote.

“Thank you to everyone who has been reaching out from across the world. The Dancing Grannies are humbled by your outpouring of love and generosity.”

Maddern listed the four members who died as Virginia Sorenson, 79, Wilhelm Hospel, 81, Tamara Durand, 52, Leanna Owen, 71.

Children’s treatment hampered by hospital’s staff shortages

09:21 , Charlene Rodrigues

Officials and nurses told Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee Hospital that they struggled to care for 18 children in the aftermath of the Waukesha car attack due to a lack of staff, Summit News reported.

One nurse who spoke anonymously to the local media said, “It was a nightmare,” adding “We just don’t have enough people and [supervisors] were frantically calling in everyone they could, but it wasn’t enough.” “We are taking care of everyone the best we can, but it’s hard,” the nurse added.

Nurses and officials at the hospital said children’s treatment is being hampered due to staff shortage brought on by the coronavirus vaccine mandate.

The hospital thanked the Waukesha community for their donations and support. “Ten patients continue to be cared for at Children’s Wisconsin who were injured at the Waukesha parade,” the hospital said in a statement

On Wednesday, the hospital said five still remain in critical condition, two in fair condition and three would return home for Thanksgiving, where they will continue their recovery.

ICYMI: Ex-girlfriend of Waukesha parade attack suspect says she is ‘mortified’ that she fathered his child

08:36 , Charlene Rodrigues

The former girlfriend of the man accused of driving his car into a Christmas parade crowd near Waukesha, Wisconsin, said she was embarrassed to be the mother to his children.Graig Graziosi has more.

Ex-girlfriend of parade attack suspect says she is ‘mortified’

Country Christmas to raise funds for parade victims

06:35 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Organisers of Country Christmas in Pewaukee city are helping to raise funds for their neighbours attacked during Sunday’s parade.

Over the weekend, $5 from every full-price admission ticket punched at Country Christmas will go to the Waukesha Community Foundation fund.

“We had a float in the parade, and some of us were there, and all the families and all the kids that were affected. We all should just do our part,” Jesse Wilder from Ingleside Hotel told Fox6.

The Country Christmas gates open on 28 November.

Over 15 still remain in hospital four days after attack

04:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

More than 15 persons, mostly children, are still in hospitals following the deadly incident on Sunday.

The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin said five out of the 10 remaining children are in critical condition.

At the Aurora Medical Centre-Summit, one of the four patients is in a serious condition while three others are doing better, the hospital said. Two more persons are being treated at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network.

Meanwhile, ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital said in a statement that all patients from the parade attack admitted to the medical facility were treated and discharged on 24 November.

Darrell Brooks ‘wanted to hit as many people as possible’, prosecutors say

03:30 , Gino Spocchia

Darrell Brooks was trying to strike “as many people as possible” when he drove into marchers and spectators at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin on Sunday, authorities say.

A criminal complaint describes Mr Brooks as having “no emotion” when he allegedly smashed through a police barricade in his red Ford Escape SUV and deliberately targeted school children in marchings bands and grandparents in dance troupes, killing six people and wounding more than 60.

Moments earlier, he fled from police responding to a call about a domestic dispute between him and another person, according to a charging document filed Tuesday in the Waukesha County Circuit Court, writes Bevan Hurley:

Darrell Brooks ‘wanted to hit as many people as possible’ in Waukesha parade attack

Five members of the Xtreme Dance Team remain in ICU

02:30 , Bevan Hurley

Five members of the Xtreme Dance Team who were injured in the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy remained in ICU on Wednesday.

TMJ4 News reported the five members were between the 3rd and 8th grades.

Members of the dance troupe were struck when Darrell Brooks allegedly drove his SUV through the parade route, killing six people and injuring more than 60.

Mother of Darrell Brooks regrets bailing him out

01:30 , Bevan Hurley

The mother of the man charged with mowing down and killing people at the Wisconsin Christmas parade regrets bailing him out earlier this month, his ex-girlfriend told The New York Post.

Dawn Woods wishes she had not posted the $1,000 bond after Darrell Brooks was accused of punching the mother of his child and striking her with his car on 2 November.

“She’s wrecked that people were killed as a result and she’s like, ‘I’m blaming myself, because had I not bailed him out, this wouldn’t have happened,’” the ex, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, told the newspaper.

Six people died when Mr Brooks allegedly plowed into the parade on Sunday, and he faces life in prison if convicted.

Darrell Brooks ‘wanted to hit as many people as possible’, prosecutors say

00:30 , Bevan Hurley

Darrell Brooks was trying to strike “as many people as possible” when he drove into marchers and spectators at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin on Sunday, authorities say.

A criminal complaint describes Mr Brooks as having “no emotion” when he allegedly smashed through a police barricadein his red Ford Escape SUV and deliberately targeted school children in marchings bands and grandparents in dance troupes, killing six people and wounding more than 60.

Moments earlier, he fled from police responding to a call about a domestic dispute between him and another person, according to a charging document filed Tuesday in the Waukesha County Circuit Court.

Read the full criminal complaint here.

Darrell Brooks ‘wanted to hit as many people as possible’ in Waukesha parade attack

Why were previous allegations against Brooks not taken seriously?

Thursday 25 November 2021 23:17 , Gino Spocchia

Darrell Brooks, the man charged with driving his SUV into a Christmas parade in Wisconsin and killing six people, had a criminal history that included cases of domestic violence.

As Kathleen N Walsh writes, if the allegations against Mr Brooks — that he had already used a vehicle to attempt to seriously injure a woman he’d been formerly in a relationship with — were considered more seriously, then perhaps five families wouldn’t be mourning the deaths of their loved ones today.

We should have taken Darrell Brooks’ history seriously | Kathleen N. Walsh

Police still asking for video footage of parade attack

Thursday 25 November 2021 22:37 , Gino Spocchia

The Waukesha Police Department are thought to still be seeking video evidence from members of the public after the attack last weekend, in which six people were killed and more than 40 people injured.

A Google document, as reported by the Washington Examiner, was still open for submissions on Thursday – two days after 39-year-old Darrell Brooks was charged with five counts of homicide.

He is expected to face a sixth charge, following the death of an eight-year-old on Tuesday afternoon.

The appeal from Waukesha’s police says “In light of the tragedy that occurred November 21, 2021 during the Christmas Parade, the Waukesha Police is seeking the assistance from the public in gathering pertinent video that may have been recorded during the incident.”

“To ensure quality of the videos, we are seeking only videos or photos that you recorded and which capture the vehicle traveling through the parade or fleeing the scene.”

Ambulance provider holds a prayer for victims of attack

Thursday 25 November 2021 22:17 , Gino Spocchia

A Wisconsin-based ambulance provider has asked residents and members of the community to hold a prayer Thursday evening at 4.39 pm – the same time that authorities say Darrell Brooks drove through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, injuring dozens and killing six people, last Sunday.

“Tomorrow, as we reflect on what we are thankful for and the blessings we have, at 4.39pm let us collectively take a moment to reflect and pray for those suffering in the wake of this tragedy,” Bell Ambulances said in a Facebook post.

The pre-Thanksgiving silence follows the identification of victims Jackson Sparks, 8; Jane Kulich, 52; Tamara Carlson, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Leanna Ownens 7, and Virginia Sorenson, 71.

More than $400,000 raised for sixth victim

Thursday 25 November 2021 21:37 , Gino Spocchia

A fundraising page for the sixth victim of the Christmas parade tragedy has seen more than $400,000 (£300,000) in donations since his death was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Alyssa, who writes that she is a niece of Aaron and Sheri Sparks, said her cousins Tucker (age 12) and Jackson (age 8) Sparks were hit in the attack on the parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Sunday.

The death of Jackson was confirmed by the family on Tuesday.

GoFundMe ‘friend’ banned from platform

Thursday 25 November 2021 21:17 , Gino Spocchia

A spokesperson for GoFundMe confirmed that a fundraiser for Darrell Brooks had broken its terms and conditions, and that it had been pulled.

James Norton, who claimed to be a friend of his, allegedly started the fundraiser, and as Law Enforcement Today reported, had a target of $5m (£3.7m) in aid of freeing him.

As Gino Spocchia writes, GoFundME told reporters that “Fundraisers with misuse are very rare, and we take all complaints very seriously,” and the person behind the Brooks fundraiser has been banned from the platform.

The page was last visible on Tuesday, screenshots on social media suggest.

GoFundMe takes down fundraiser for Waukesha driver

Reminder: Who was the sixth victim?

Thursday 25 November 2021 20:37 , Gino Spocchia

The sixth victim was named on a GoFundMe page as Jackson Sparks, aged eight, on Tuesday.

Both he and his brother Tucker, 12, were injured when the SUV driven by Brooks entered the parade route.

Jackson underwent brain surgery on Sunday evening but succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Tuesday afternoon, writes Oliver O’Connell.

Tucker, 12, and eight-year-old Jackson Sparks, were injured in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy.

Child becomes sixth person to die after Wisconsin parade attack

Reminder: Who is Darrell Brooks?

Thursday 25 November 2021 19:37 , Gino Spocchia

Darrell Brooks Jr, of Milwaukee, had been arrested on 5 November on charges of domestic abuse, resisting an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping, before allegedly committing Sunday’s tragedy.

He has been convicted of several criminal offences since 1999, including one against a teenage girl in 2007. According to The New York Post, he reportedly told a judge he was not a monster and did not know she was underage, and later entered a plead deal.

Mr Brooks is also prolific on social media and raps under the name of MathBoi Fly. As Joe Sommerlad writes, a vehicle similar to the one involved in the Waukesha attack is visible in “Half a Tikket”, one of his music videos on YouTube.

What happened at the Waukesha Christmas parade?

Three children released from hospital

Thursday 25 November 2021 19:17 , Gino Spocchia

The children’s hospital in Wisconsin which admitted 16 children after the Christmas parade tragedy has said three more patients were released ahead of this weekend’s Thanksgiving holiday.

As CNN reported, half of the remaining ten children are still in a critical condition, and another is in a serious condition.

It comes days after a sixth victim was confirmed by the hospital.

No motive for Darrell Brooks, but intent could be proven

Thursday 25 November 2021 18:37 , Gino Spocchia

Police in Waukesha, Wisconsin, have still not revealed a motive for his actions last Sunday, when he broke through a road block and killed half a dozen people at an annual Christmas parade.

Paul Bucher, a former Waukesha County District Attorney, told reporters that despite that, it might be possible for prosecutors to prove that his actions were with intent, because Darrell Brooks “kept going and knowing what he had done to the first person and didn’t stop, then it was all intentional.”

As Politico reported, attorneys representing Mr Brooks – who has been charged with five counts of homicide, have asked for people not to judge the case before all facts are known.

“It’s essential that we not rush to judgment, and instead treat these proceedings and all those involved with dignity and respect,” Jeremy Perri and Anna Kees said.

Reminder: What happened at the Christmas parade?

Thursday 25 November 2021 18:17 , Gino Spocchia

The Wisconsin city of Waukesha is still in shock after a car ploughed into a Christmas parade at high speed at 4.39pm on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring 48 more.

The red Ford Escape SUV was captured on video driving straight towards marching cheerleaders and band members at around 40mph, hitting around 20 people and causing the crowd that had assembled to enjoy the 58th Annual Waukesha Holiday Parade to disperse in panic.

As Joe Sommerlad writes, witnesses on Sunday described the car as having accelerated along the parade route and “going from side to side, targeting people”.

What happened at the Waukesha Christmas parade?

Brooks told judge in 2007 he was not a monster, report says

Thursday 25 November 2021 17:37 , Gino Spocchia

The 39-year-old man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more on Sunday in Wisconsin, allegedly told a judge in 2007 that he was not a monster after being charged for sexual assault.

According to court documents obtained by the New York Post, Darrell Brooks also asked the judge in that case to show leniency, because he had been diagnosed as bipolar and was manic depressive at the age of 12.

The revelation comes amid speculation around Mr Brook’s criminal record, and that he may claim he was mentally unwell when he is tried for driving an SUV through a Wisconsin Christmas parade.

GoFundMe says ‘friend’ has been banned after Brooks fundraiser

Thursday 25 November 2021 17:02 , Gino Spocchia

A spokesperson for GoFundMe has confirmed that it “removed the fundraiser before any funds were raised because it violates GoFundMe Terms of Service.”

The platform added that the individual behind the Darrell Brooks fundraiser has also “been banned from using the GoFundMe platform for any future fundraisers,” in a statement to The Independent. “Fundraisers with misuse are very rare, and we take all complaints very seriously. Our team works with law enforcement to report issues and assists them in any investigations they deem necessary,” the spokesperson said.

It follows criticism of the platform for allowing the fundraiser to be set-up not long after Wisconsin police charged Mr Brooks with five counts of homicide for the Christmas parade deaths.

Who were the victims from the parade?

Thursday 25 November 2021 16:32 , Gino Spocchia

There have been six confirmed deaths since the SUV was allegedly driven by 39-year-old Darrell Brooks into the Christmas parade in Wisconsin.

As Alisha Rahaman Sarkar writes, three of them were affiliated with a dancing group for older women called the “Milwaukee Dancing Grannies”.

“Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness,” the group said in a Facebook post on Monday.

What we know about the victims of the Waukesha parade attack

Previous bail amount criticised, amid GoFundMe removal

Thursday 25 November 2021 16:02 , Gino Spocchia

Police in Waukesha have confirmed that Darrell Brooks had been involved in an act of violence earlier on Sunday, and was out on a $1,000 (£750) bail for obstructing an officer and domestic abuse.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office said that bail, set earlier in November, was “inappropriately low in light of the nature of the recent charges”, and after the tragedy in Waukesha.

The $5m bail was then set as a target on a GoFundMe, which removed the page after receiving criticism from social media users.

GoFundMe reacts to Brooks fundraiser

Thursday 25 November 2021 15:32 , Gino Spocchia

A spokesperson for GoFundMe confirmed to Fox Business on Wednesday that a fundraiser for Darrell Brooks had broken its terms and conditions, and that it had been pulled.

James Norton, who claimed to be a friend of his, allegedly started the fundraiser, and as Law Enforcement Today reported, had a target of $5m (£3.7m) in aid of freeing him.

As Gino Spocchia writes, GoFundME told reporters that “Fundraisers with misuse are very rare, and we take all complaints very seriously”.

The page was last visible on Tuesday, screenshots on social media suggest.

GoFundMe takes down fundraiser for Waukesha driver

Could there be a plea deal?

Thursday 25 November 2021 15:02 , Gino Spocchia

Several experts, believe Mr Brooks could in fact reach a plea deal, according to The Associated Press.

“If I were in this case, what I’d be trying to do was to see how I can put out this fire as quickly as possible,” said Phil Turner, a former federal prosecutor who now works in private practice in Chicago.

“If you let it linger, it’s only going to get worse.”

What is Darrell Brooks’s criminal history?

Thursday 25 November 2021 14:21 , Gino Spocchia

Darrell Brooks, who has been charged with crimes more than a dozen times since 1999, had two outstanding cases against him before the tragedy in Wisconsin on Sunday.

Reports indicate that included one earlier in November in which he’s accused of intentionally striking a woman with his car in Milwaukee County.

He had been free on a $1,000 bail for that case, which prosecutors now say was inappropriately low. And on Sunday, Mr Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes before he drove into the parade route, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.

What defence could Darrell Brooks use in court?

Thursday 25 November 2021 13:32 , Gino Spocchia

It is not known, if anything, what 39-year-old Darrell Brooks has told investigators since his arrest on Sunday for the deaths of five people at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, and another confirmed on Tuesday.

Tom Grieve, a Brookfield defense attorney and former Waukesha County prosecutor, said Mr Brooks could use a defence of suffering from a mental disease or defect in court, which would lead him being sent to a mental institution rather than a prison, if convicted at trial. Mr Grieve continued by saying that video footage from Sunday, and other evidence, however supported a more serious penalty – which will be difficult for the defence to disprove. “The fact he didn’t step on the brakes: That was intentional. The fact that his foot was on the gas: That was intentional. He could have stopped . He’s the only person who could put his foot on the brake pedal and he didn’t,” Mr Grieve said.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.

Grandmother recalls what she witnessed

Thursday 25 November 2021 12:47 , Gino Spocchia

Tricia Tucker, 52, saw the whole disaster unfold, and as Sheila Flynn writes, was attending the parade with her children, grandchildren, and other friends and relatives on Sunday when the festive day turned to tragedy.

“I’m screaming for everybody who can hear me to run into my place,” she says of what happened. “I’m just grabbing the kids to get them off the street”.

Grandmother recalls horror of Waukesha Christmas parade attack

Wisconsin parade: Terrifying video shows SUV passing inches behind dancing little girl

Thursday 25 November 2021 11:20 , Eleanor Sly

Harrowing footage captured the moment a little girl narrowly avoided being struck by the SUV that barreled through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday.

The youngster, dressed in pink snow gear, is seen dancing to a marching band a few feet from the sidewalk when the car allegedly driven by Darrell Brooks passes inches behind her.

The crowd erupts in screams and gasps as the car continues down the route before striking dozens of people, killing five and wounding 48.

Megan Sheets has more:

Dancing girl narrowly avoids being struck by car at Wisconsin parade

Waukesha parade attack: Locals retrieve items lost amid fatal chaos as locals tone down Thanksgiving celebrations

Thursday 25 November 2021 10:28 , Eleanor Sly

The day before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest days of revelry in America.

But on Wednesday, Waukesha locals were driving to the local parks and recreation building to retrieve items left behind in the chaos over the weekend when an SUV driver mowed down dozens of parade-goers, killing six and injuring dozens more.

Instead of preparing festive meals, they were coming to pick up blankets. Thermos flasks. Children’s folding chairs decorated with teddy bears. Red Cross volunteers were manning the entrance.

Sheila Flynn has more:

Waukesha locals retrieve items lost amid fatal chaos as locals tone down Thanksgiving

Brooks ‘polite’ to man who let him into his house

Thursday 25 November 2021 09:21 , Eleanor Sly

Daniel Rider let Darrell Brooks into his house to warm himself up before letting Brooks use the phone to call an Uber.

According to Mr Rider, he was unaware about the tragedy which had unfolded in Waukesha, Wisconsin, leaving six dead and more than 40 injured.

Describing his interaction with Brooks, Mr Rider said that he was “polite” to him the entire time he was at his home.

Mr Rider explained: “He even thanked me and said, ‘Thank you for showing me so much love here, man. Appreciate you warming me up,” reported The Sun.

However, Mr Rider went on to explain that Mr Brooks became increasingly aggressive, pounding on his door and asking to be let back in as he had apparently forgotten his ID.

People gather at Waukesha memorial to remember victims

Thursday 25 November 2021 08:50 , Eleanor Sly

Darrell Brooks had a history of domestic violence we should have taken seriously

Thursday 25 November 2021 08:25 , Eleanor Sly

Darrell Brooks — the man charged with driving his Ford SUV into a Christmas parade in Wisconsin with no clear motivation and killed six people — had a documented history of domestic violence.

He was a registered sex offender and, according to court documents, was out on bond for charges related to domestic abuse when the Waukesha tragedy happened.

He allegedly ran over a woman who says she is the mother of his child with his car.

Writes Kathleen N. Walsh:

We should have taken Darrell Brooks’ history seriously | Kathleen N. Walsh

Brooks bail fundraiser removed from GoFundMe

Thursday 25 November 2021 08:03 , Eleanor Sly

The crowdfunding platform, GoFundMe, has removed a fundraiser which was created for Darrell Brooks in an effort to raise the $5 million required for his bail.

The fundraiser was removed from the platform because it violated the GoFundMe terms of service, FOX Business reported.

According to FOX Business a spokesperson for GoFundMe said: "Fundraisers with misuse are very rare, and we take all complaints very seriously. Our team works with law enforcement to report issues and assists them in any investigations they deem necessary.”

Brooks had previously run over a woman at start of November

Thursday 25 November 2021 07:44 , Eleanor Sly

Darrell Brooks, the man accused of driving his SUV into a Wisconsin Christmas parade was a registered sex offender in Nevada.

As well as this, he had an active arrest warrant in that state, according to court records.

Court documents revealed that he allegedly ran over a woman who said that she is the mother of his child, earlier this month.

On 2nd November, Brookes is said to have run over the woman in his car whilst she was walking through the car park of a gas station.

The woman told authorities that she was the mother of his child, according to a criminal complaint.

Rockford beefs up security, shuts down roads for parade

Thursday 25 November 2021 06:48 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

In the wake of the deadly incident, officials in Rockford are beefing up their security for the Stroll on State parade, which will be held this Saturday.

There will be more barricades placed at the perimeter of the event to keep any unauthorized vehicles from getting onto the parade route and festival grounds.

Authorities in Rockford will shut down Chestnut Street west of the Rock River and Walnut Street east of the river for vehicular traffic from 10.30 am until 9 pm on Saturday. An emergency lane will be created by security barricades between Church and North Second streets.

Three injured children go home from hospital as 10 remain under care of doctors

Thursday 25 November 2021 04:57 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Three children injured in the Wisconsin Christmas parade attack will be at home for Thanksgiving after being released from hospital.

That leaves 10 children still in hospital care, with five in critical condition, two in fair condition and three in good condition, according to to Children’s Wisconsin hospital.

“We are thankful to share that three more kids injured on Sunday at the Waukesha parade will be home for Thanksgiving, where they will continue their recovery,” hospital officials said on twitter.

Dawn Woods, the mother of Darrell Brooks, regrets bailing him out of jail

Thursday 25 November 2021 04:53 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Dawn Woods, the mother of Darrell Brooks, is regretting bailing him out of jail just a few days prior to the incident. Mr Brooks’ mother had posted a $1,000 bond for her son after he was accused of domestic violence and intentionally striking his former girlfriend with his car on 2 November.

“She’s wrecked that people were killed as a result and she’s like, ‘I’m blaming myself, because had I not bailed him out, this wouldn’t have happened’,” the former girlfriend, who shares a child with Mr Brooks, told The Post.

The woman said she had very little contact with the accused in the last 20 years. “He disappeared when my son was almost 3 months old. I’ve done all of this on my own, raised my child by myself,” she said.

She added their son has not interacted with his father since he was a baby.

“When I saw his picture online, I was like, ‘What the f***? I was embarrassed enough to have him as the father of my child beforehand, because he wasn’t taking care of him. What do you think I am now? Mortified,” the woman added.

City officials add extra precautions to Thanksgiving parades

Thursday 25 November 2021 03:56 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Authorities in cities across the US are taking extra measures to ensure the safety of crowds at the city’s Thanksgiving Day parade in light of the events in Waukesha.

Detroit, Michigan; Waco, Texas; and Knoxville, Tennessee, are among the cities reviewing their safety plans, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Meanwhile, several towns across Wisconsin have cancelled upcoming holiday parades in the wake of Waukesha’s deadly attack.

Kathleen N. Walsh: We should have taken Brooks’ history seriously

Thursday 25 November 2021 03:11 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: In the wake of Mr Brooks arrest over Sunday’s Christmas parade attack, a slew of information emerged about his lengthy criminal past.

A registered sex offender, Mr Brooks has a serious of previous charges for domestic violence, including for allegedly trying to run the mother of his child over with his car on 5 November.

The Independent’s Kathleen N. Walsh writes: “To me, that is not surprising. What is surprising — or at least galling — is that we still do not take violence against women seriously when the correlation between domestic abuse and other violent crime seems so clear. That means that ultimately, everybody else is less safe.

“If the allegations against Brooks — that he had already used a vehicle to attempt to seriously injure a woman he’d been formerly in a relationship with — were considered more seriously, then perhaps five families wouldn’t be mourning the deaths of their loved ones today.”

We should have taken Darrell Brooks’ history seriously | Kathleen N. Walsh

Piles of discarded items wait to be claimed

Thursday 25 November 2021 02:02 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Dozens of items left behind in the chaos of Waukesha’s Christmas parade are waiting to be claimed.

Piles of chairs, scarves, shoes and other belongings were collected from the scene and are now being held at the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

The Independent’s Sheila Flynn visited the collection site on Wednesday:

Contractor building wheelchair ramps for victims

Thursday 25 November 2021 01:31 , Graeme Massie

Brock Held took to Facebook to offer his services to help build ramps at the homes of victims, who will need wheelchairs as they recover from injuries.

“Doing what I do for a living, working for myself, I have a little bit more freedom to step away,” he told WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee.

WATCH: Brooks on doorbell camera moments after attack

Thursday 25 November 2021 01:07 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Doorbell camera footage shows Mr Brooks outside a home moments after he made his deadly drive through the Christmas parade.

Homeowner Daniel Rider said Mr Brooks arrived on his front porch and said he was waiting for a ride.

“I called an Uber and I’m supposed to be waiting for it over here, but I don’t know when it’s coming,” Mr Brooks allegedly said. “Can you call it for me please? I’m homeless.”

Mr Rider said he invited the man inside, offered him a sandwich and his phone so that he could call his mother.

Minutes later, police arrived to arrest Mr Brooks.

The Independent’s Gino Spocchia reports:

Waukesha suspect Darrell Brooks caught on camera after parade tragedy

Mother of Darrell Brooks regrets bailing him out

Thursday 25 November 2021 00:40 , Graeme Massie

The mother of the man charged with mowing down and killing people at the Wisconsin Christmas parade regrets bailing him out earlier this month, his ex-girlfriend told The New York Post.

Dawn Woods wishes she had not posted the $1,000 bond after Darrell Brooks was accused of punching the mother of his child and striking her with his car on 2 November.

“She’s wrecked that people were killed as a result and she’s like, ‘I’m blaming myself, because had I not bailed him out, this wouldn’t have happened,’” the ex, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, told the newspaper.

Six people died when Mr Brooks allegedly plowed into the parade on Sunday, and he faces life in prison if convicted.

What we know about Brooks

Thursday 25 November 2021 00:04 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Darrell Edward Brooks Jr, 39, was identified by police as the man who drove his car down the Waukesha Christmas parade route on Sunday, killing six people and wounding dozens more.

Mr Brooks had only been out on bail for two days after being arrested on 5 November on charges of domestic abuse, resisting an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping.

On social media, Mr Brooks promoted his hip-hop career under the name MathBoi Fly.

The Independent’s Joe Sommerlad explains what we know about the suspect so far:

What we know about Waukesha Christmas parade attack suspect

Husband of victim says she had undiagnosed uterine cancer

Wednesday 24 November 2021 23:01 , Graeme Massie

Jane Kulkich, a mother-of-three, was one of the six people killed when Darrell Brooks mowed down the crowd at the Wisconsin Christmas parade on Sunday.

“I was happy to hear that I could at least give my children the thought that maybe a lot of suffering was avoided,” John Kulich told CBS Mornings.

“At least give my children the thought that, well, maybe God took her so she didn’t have to suffer. And if I could just leave them with that.”

ICYMI: DA’s past comments on reforms draw scrutiny

Wednesday 24 November 2021 22:30 , Megan Sheets

A Wisconsin district attorney acknowledged that his justice reforms could lead to freed criminals killing others more than a decade before a man his office released on bail mowed down dozens of people at a Christmas parade in Waukesha.

John Chisholm began enacting reforms – including the lowering of cash bonds and diverting non-violent offenders to treatment programs – when he was elected as Milwaukee County District Attorney in 2007.

Explaining his efforts to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that same year, Mr Chisholm acknowledged the possibility of adverse consequences.

“Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen,” he said.

“It does not invalidate the overall approach.”

Mr Chisholm’s comments were drawn back into the spotlight this week after Darrell Brooks, a felon with a rap sheet dating back to 1999, was accused of killing five people and wounding 48 others by driving his car into Waukesha’s Christmas parade.

The Independent’s Megan Sheets reports:

DA admitted danger of reforms years before Waukesha parade

Parade victim’s organs may be donated to survivors

Wednesday 24 November 2021 22:00 , Megan Sheets

Mother-of-three Jane Kulich was among the six people killed in Sunday’s parade attack.

Now, her organs could be donated to those injured in the same incident, her sister-in-law Shawn Kulich told People.

“God works in mysterious ways,” Shawn Kulich said. “My brother and his children were so thrilled to learn this news. Some tears from this tragedy have been turned into tears of joy now!!!! I know Jane is smiling for this!”

More than 45 people were injured in the attack, including at least 17 children.

United for Waukesha Community Fund receives 6,300 donations from 12 countries in three days

Wednesday 24 November 2021 21:30 , Megan Sheets

Over the past three days, the United for Waukesha Community Fund has received 6,300 donations from 12 different countries.

Organiser of the fundraiser, led by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the Waukesha County Community Foundation, announced the impressive numbers on Wednesday but did not say the total amount of money raised to date.

The first round of funding will go to the families of people killed, with a committee set to determine how the rest of the money is allocated.

Waukesha County Community Foundation President Shelli Marquardt said: “Waukesha is a big, little city and we are about one degree of separation away from anyone who was at the parade or who knows someone that was impacted by this.”

Donations can be made here.

Prior charges against Brooks

Wednesday 24 November 2021 21:00 , Megan Sheets

Prosecutors say they intend to file five charges against Mr Brooks for first-degree intentional homicide in the parade attack.

He was already facing charges from two other incidents in Wisconsin, including:

• Second-degree recklessly endangering safety with domestic abuse assessments

• Disorderly conduct with domestic abuse assessments

• Felony bail jumping

Brooks showed “no emotion” behind the wheel

Wednesday 24 November 2021 17:30 , Megan Sheets

A police officer quoted in the criminal complaint against Mr Brooks described him as showing “no emotion” when he drove his car onto the parade route.

Officer Butryn, who was directing traffic along the route, said he heard the tires on Mr Brooks’ SUV screech as it abruptly accelerated into the crowd of parade-goers.

“At this point, it was clear to Officer Butryn that this was an intentional act to strike and hurt as many people as possible,” the complaint states.

New details about crash emerge in criminal complaint

Wednesday 24 November 2021 17:00 , Megan Sheets

New details about the horror crash at Waukesha’s Christmas parade emerged in a criminal complaint filed against Darrell Brooks on Tuesday.

The complaint describes how Mr Brooks fled in his vehicle when officers arrived on a call about a domestic dispute near the parade route.

He then proceeded to ignore officers’ orders to stop and made his way toward the parade.

Once on the route, witnesses said Mr Brooks appeared to be swerving to avoid cars, not people, while traveling at a high speed.

The full complaint is available here.

NFL star JJ Watt to cover funeral costs: report

Wednesday 24 November 2021 16:30 , Megan Sheets

NFL star and Waukesha native JJ Watt has reportedly offered to cover the cost of funerals for victims of the Christmas parade crash.

The act of kindness was reported by journalist Cory Jennerjohn on Tuesday but has yet to be publicly confirmed by Mr Watt or his foundation.

Mr Watt, a defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, reacted to the tragedy in a tweet on Sunday:

Fundraisers for victims bring in more than $1.5m

Wednesday 24 November 2021 16:03 , Megan Sheets

More than two dozen fundraisers set up to support victims of the parade crash and their families have collected more than $1.5m in donations since the attack.

Below are links to some of the fundraisers:

United for Waukesha Community Fund

Waukesha South High School Band GoFundMe

Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team GoFundMe

Jessalyn Kohnke Family GoFundMe

Jackson and Tucker Sparks Family GoFundMe

Perales Family GoFundMe

Kenzie Hollingsworth Family GoFundMe

Virginia Sorenson Family GoFundMe

Jane Kulich Family Fundraiser

The full list of GoFundMe campaigns surrounding the parade is available here.

Who are the Waukesha parade victims?

Wednesday 24 November 2021 15:24 , Megan Sheets

Six people have died in the wake of Sunday’s tragic parade crash. They are:

Tamara Durand - 52

Ms Durand was a member of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies who worked as a hospice and critical care chaplain.

She is survived by her husband, nine children and four grandchildren.

Jane Kulich - 52

Ms Kulich was a mother, grandmother and server at Dave’s Family Restaurant in Waukesha.

She was marching on behalf of Citizens Bank when she was killed.

Wilhelm Hospel - 81

Mr Hospel was at the parade as a volunteer for the Dancing Grannies, as his wife is on the team.

He is survived by his wife, son and three brothers.

Leanna Owen - 71

Ms Owen was a manager at the Packard Glen Apartments as well as a member of the Dancing Grannies.

“This was one of her passions that she truly loved,” the property’s owner told CNN. “She was so proud to be part of this group and lit up when she talked about it.”

Virginia “Ginny” Sorenson - 79

Ms Sorenson was the leader of the Dancing Grannies and a retired nurse. She is survived by her husband.

“Everyone who knew Ginny knows she had a special soul, one that radiated with love,” family members wrote on a GoFundMe page.

Jackson Sparks - 8

Jackson died on Tuesday afternoon after he and his 12-year-old brother Tucker were critically injured in the crash.

Wisconsin lawmakers push for bail reform after Waukesha attack

Wednesday 24 November 2021 14:45 , Megan Sheets

The deadly Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has sparked a fresh push for bail reform after it was revealed suspect Darrell Brooks was released on $1,000 bail just days before the attack.

Court records revealed Mr Brooks has a lengthy rap sheet dating back to 1999 and was charged with recklessly endangering the safety of others three times in less than two years. The most recent charges came on 5 November, when he allegedly tried to run over the mother of his child with his car.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office recommended a bail of $1,000, which he posted just two days before the parade.

Several Wisconsin lawmakers expressed outrage at the DA’s decision, saying a higher bail could have prevented the loss of life on Sunday.

State Rep Cindi Duchow, a Republican from the town of Delafield, on Tuesday reintroduced a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to consider the danger a defendant poses to the community when setting bail.

The Independent’s Megan Sheets reports:

Wisconsin lawmakers push for bail reform after deadly Waukesha parade

CWCC urges residents to return to the parade theme of ‘Comfort and Joy’

Wednesday 24 November 2021 13:33 , Charlene Rodrigues

The City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is urging its residents to turn back to the parade theme of ‘Comfort and Joy.’

“Though it’s easy to turn towards anger, we encourage everyone to turn back to the parade theme of Comfort and Joy, and find it however possible,” a statement read on its website.

Expressing their condolences to victims as well as their friends and families, CWCC said, “We are so thankful for all the first responders who came to aid those in need and those in the community who assisted with first aid.”

“We also want to acknowledge and thank the downtown businesses that offered material support and shelter while the police cleared the scene for safety.”

67 groups participated in the CWCC 2021 Christmas Parade Lineup

Wednesday 24 November 2021 12:45 , Charlene Rodrigues

The City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) has listed 67 other groups including the Dancing Grannies and Waukesha Xtreme Dance team in its 2021 Christmas Parade lineup.

Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team ask media to give them time and space as they try to heal

Wednesday 24 November 2021 11:35 , Charlene Rodrigues

Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team has asked the media to respect their privacy by giving them time and space to process these tragic events.

In a Facebook post, Sandy Feller wrote on behalf of the group, “ We at Waukesha Xtreme Dance offer our gratitude for the tremendous support. Sunday was a traumatic nightmare for the children, their families, and our entire community.”

“Our dancers have a multitude of serious physical injuries. Of those, five dancers are currently in the ICU.”

Feller said the group is only beginning to understand the mental trauma.

“We need time to heal and understand. We ask that the media and those reaching out to please respect our privacy by giving us time and space to process these tragic events.”

Thanking everyone for their love and support, Feller asked people to keep praying for all the families impacted.

Feller also set up a GoFundme page for anyone wanting to help the victims.

ICYMI: Father reveals how he pushed daughter out of harm’s way in the eleventh hour

Wednesday 24 November 2021 11:01 , Charlene Rodrigues

Thomas Kluka Jr, who was at the parade with his wife and teenage daughter and a friend on Sunday, said he saw the SUV coming towards him when he yelled for his family to move.

Gino Spocchia reports.

Father reveals how he pushed daughter out of harm’s way at Waukesha parade

ICYMI: Grandmother recalls horror of Waukesha attack

Wednesday 24 November 2021 10:40 , Charlene Rodrigues

Tricia Tucker was attending the parade with her children, grandchildren, other friends and relatives on Sunday when the festive day turned to tragedy as a 39-year-old man with a long rap sheet allegedly plowed into the crowd.Sheila Flynn reports.

Grandmother recalls horror of Waukesha Christmas parade attack

Olivia, 8, was dancing for her team when she was hit at the Waukesha Christmas Parade, family say

Wednesday 24 November 2021 09:54 , Charlene Rodrigues

Eight-year-old Olivia was dancing for her team when she was struck on Sunday during the Waukesha Christmas Parade, the Stover family wrote on a GoFundme fundraiser page.

“She is suffering from two different brain bleeds and multiple other injuries.”

“The Stover family will be incurring large medical costs associated with her care due to this tragic event.”

The Stover family said any donations will go a long way toward helping this special little girl and her family during this rough time.

Jackson Sparks, 8, becomes the first of many injured children to have died.

Fundraiser started by Sparks family raises more than US $ 313,000

Wednesday 24 November 2021 09:16 , Charlene Rodrigues

A fundraiser started by the niece of Aaron and Sheri Sparks, who have been impacted by the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade, has raised more than $313,000 exceeding its initial goal of $20,000.

The Gofundme page was started by Alyssa Albro where she wrote, “The family is facing mounting medical expenses with two children receiving medical treatment, and time away from work.”

“Any donation, large or small, is so appreciated and will make a big difference to the Sparks family.”

“Aaron and Sheri are people of faith, so please continue to lift them and their boys in prayer. Even if you’re not able to give, please share their story.”

Albro later wrote an update thanking people for their support and prayers. “Tucker, by the grace of God is miraculously recovering from his injuries and will be being discharged home.

This afternoon, our dear Jackson has sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away,” she wrote.

“The nature of this offence is shocking,” Waukesha Court Commissioner Kevin Costello

Wednesday 24 November 2021 08:35 , Charlene Rodrigues

“The nature of this offence is shocking,” Waukesha Court Commissioner Kevin Costello, said at the hearing on Tuesday.

Darrell Brooks Jr., 39, was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.

He rocked back and forth in his seat and cried throughout his court hearing on Tuesday, his attorney’s arm on his back, as the charges against him were detailed. His bail was set at $5 million, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 14.

Additional charges related to the sixth death and the more than 60 people injured will be coming later this week or next, said Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper.

The criminal complaint said 62 people were injured, up from the 48 previously announced by police.

Brooks is accused of speeding away from police and entering the Waukesha Christmas parade on Sunday night, refusing to stop even as an officer banged on the hood of his SUV. Another officer fired three shots into the vehicle, but it did not stop.

Additional reporting by AP

ICYMI:Everything we know about the Waukesha attack suspect

Wednesday 24 November 2021 08:15 , Charlene Rodrigues

The man taken into custody after an SUV drove into a Christmas parade on Sunday night is 39-year-old Milwaukee local Darrell Edward Brooks Jr, say police.Joe Sommerlad has more in this report.

What we know about Waukesha Christmas parade attack suspect

Jackson Sparks, 8, becomes the first of many injured children to have died

Wednesday 24 November 2021 07:55 , Charlene Rodrigues

8-year-old boy is the sixth person to die

Wednesday 24 November 2021 07:35 , Charlene Rodrigues

An 8-year-old boy became the sixth person to die Tuesday as a result of a man driving his SUV into a suburban Milwaukee Christmas parade.

A criminal complaint alleges that the suspect in the case steered side-to-side with the intent of striking marchers and spectators.

Jackson Sparks, 8, was the first of many injured children to have died. He was walking in the parade with his 12-year-old brother Tucker, who was injured in the crash and was being discharged from the hospital, according to his GoFundMe page.

“This afternoon, our dear Jackson has sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away,” the page’s organizer, Alyssa Albro, wrote.

Additional reporting by AP

Affidavit: Brooks 'drove in zigzag' at Waukesha parade

Wednesday 24 November 2021 07:01 , Stuti Mishra

An affidavit by the police against Darrell Brooks reveals more details into what investigators believe happened at the Waukesha Christmas parade which left six people, including a six-year-old, dead.

The document says a total of 62 people were left injured when Brooks drove his red SUV into the crowd gathered for the Christmas parade.

Brooks was initially driving at an approximate speed of 25 miles per hour, sticking to the north side of the road, according to the affidavit, before he began increasing the speed.

The car began “getting closer to parade spectators, and almost struck a small juvenile who was standing in one of the parking stalls on the north side of the road as its speed was increasing.”

“The vehicle then appeared to rapidly accelerate,” the document says, and “took an abrupt left turn into the crowd of parade participants.”

An eyewitness quoted in the complaint said that the SUV “continued to drive in a zig-zag motion,” adding that the car was trying to avoid other cars but not people.

Brooks did not make any attempt to stop or slow down his car even while hitting the people, as another witness added that it was “a direct intent to hit as many parade participants.

“This was an intentional act to strike and hurt as many people as possible,” mentions the affidavit.

The moment before Darrell Brooks was arrested

Wednesday 24 November 2021 05:19 , Stuti Mishra

ICYMI: Darrell Brooks was reportedly filmed by a doorbell camera waiting for an Uber roughly 20 minutes after he drove his SUV into the parade route, killing five and injuring dozens more.

Mr Brooks, who was arrested not long after the footage was captured on Sunday, told the homeowner Daniel Rider: “I called an Uber and I’m supposed to be waiting for it over here, but I don’t know when it’s coming”.

He adds: “Can you call it for me please? I’m homeless.”

Mr Rider, according to NBC News, invited Mr Brooks inside his home, and made a sandwich for the suspect.

“All of a sudden, I look outside my street and I see a few cop cars drive by and I’m getting extra nervous,” Mr Rider said. “Then the next thing you know, you see the cops with lights on him saying, ‘hands in the air, hands in the air.’”

The Independent’s Gino Spocchia reports:

Waukesha suspect Darrell Brooks caught on camera after parade tragedy

$1m raised to help victims’ medical and funeral costs

Wednesday 24 November 2021 04:05 , Stuti Mishra

ICYMI: Around $1m has been raised in just two days to help victims of the Wisconsin Christmas parade tragedy.

The tight-knit Waukesha community sprang into action after Sunday’s Christmas parade tragedy which claimed five lives, organising fundraising events, prayer vigils and opening a makeshift resource centre for the victims.

By Tuesday afternoon about $750,000 has been donated to GoFundMe pages set up by friends and family of the victims, while community and business fundraising efforts have collected another $200,000.

With hospital bills piling up, families have been forced to try to raise awareness and money for their loved ones, many of whom are facing months in hospital.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Waukesha parade tragedy: Nearly $1m raised to help with medical costs for the injured

Waukesha cops launch fundraiser with stuffed animal K9s

Wednesday 24 November 2021 03:35 , Stuti Mishra

ICYMI: The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department is raising money for victims of the Christmas parade attack by selling stuffed animals dressed like police K9s.

The plushie toys are available for $20 each with 100 per cent of all proceeds going toward the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

Darrell Brooks’ new mugshot released

Wednesday 24 November 2021 03:02 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Police released a new mugshot for Darrell Brooks hours before he is set to appear in court.

The photo taken Tuesday morning shows Mr Brooks wide-eyed in a heavy, green jail-issued vest.

Milwaukee Brewers host fundraisers for parade victims

Wednesday 24 November 2021 02:03 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: The Milwaukee Brewers baseball team announced two fundraisers in honour of the Waukesha Christmas parade victims.

The first took place on Tuesday morning, where fans were invited to meet with top members of the team at the Colectivo Coffee shop in Milwaukee. Attendees were encouraged to donate to the Brewers Community Foundation, with the team’s president of baseball operations David Sterns promising to personally match the amount raised.

The second event, “Magic of Lights” is scheduled for 5pm CT on Wednesday. For ever car that attends, host American Family Insurance pledged a $10 donation with a cap of $10,000.

WATCH: Dancing girl narrowly misses SUV strike

Wednesday 24 November 2021 01:06 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Harrowing video captured the moment a little girl narrowly avoided being struck by the SUV that barrelled down the Waukesha Christmas parade route on Sunday.

The youngster, dressed in pink snow gear, is seen dancing to a marching band a few feet from the sidewalk when the car passes inches behind her.

The crowd erupts in screams of terror as the car continues down the route before striking dozens of people.

The Independent’s Megan Sheets reports:

Dancing girl narrowly avoids being struck by car at Wisconsin parade

Darrell Brooks wears suicide prevention vest to court hearing

Wednesday 24 November 2021 00:31 , Graeme Massie

Mr Brooks faces life imprisonment if convicted on the five intentional homicide charges he faces, with prosecutors expected to bring a sixth charge following the death of eight-year-old Jackson Sparks.

Wisconsin church confirms death of Jackson Sparks

Wednesday 24 November 2021 00:01 , Graeme Massie

The eight-year-old became the sixth victim of the Wisconsin Christmas parade incident last Sunday.

“Aaron Sparks and Sheri Sparks would like to thank everyone for your prayers and amazing support during this difficult time,” said LifePoint Church in a Facebook post.

“They wanted to give an update to everyone as you are likely aware, Tucker (12) and Jackson ( Sparks were both seriously injured during the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack and have been in the ICU since.

“Tucker, by the grace of God is miraculously recovering from his injuries and will be being discharged home. This afternoon, our dear Jackson has sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

“Please know that they appreciate your continued prayers and tremendous outpouring of support for their family. They do however ask for privacy at this time to allow Tucker to continue to heal physically and their family to heal and mourn the tremendous loss of their sweet little boy who is now under the care of Jesus.”

DA’s past comments on reforms draw scrutiny

Tuesday 23 November 2021 23:10 , Megan Sheets

A Wisconsin district attorney acknowledged that his justice reforms could lead to freed criminals killing others more than a decade before a man his office released on bail mowed down dozens of people at a Christmas parade in Waukesha.

John Chisholm began enacting reforms – including the lowering of cash bonds and diverting non-violent offenders to treatment programs – when he was elected as Milwaukee County District Attorney in 2007.

Explaining his efforts to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that same year, Mr Chisholm acknowledged the possibility of adverse consequences.

“Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen,” he said.

“It does not invalidate the overall approach.”

Mr Chisholm’s comments were drawn back into the spotlight this week after Darrell Brooks, a felon with a rap sheet dating back to 1999, was accused of killing five people and wounding 48 others by driving his car into Waukesha’s Christmas parade.

The Independent’s Megan Sheets reports:

DA admitted danger of reforms years before Waukesha parade

Eight-year-old Jackson Sparks confirmed as sixth victim

Tuesday 23 November 2021 22:39 , Megan Sheets

The sixth victim of the Waukesha parade attack has been confirmed as eight-year-old Jackson Sparks.

A GoFundMe for Jackson’s family confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday evening after prosecutors revealed the sixth death at Darrell Brooks’ court hearing.

Jackson’s brother Tucker, 12, was also seriously injured but is “miraculously recovering” and will be discharged soon, the fundraiser states.

Suspect’s bail is set at $5m

Tuesday 23 November 2021 22:29 , Megan Sheets

Darrell Brooks’ bail was set at $5m during Tuesday’s hearing.

The prosecution read off a string of the defendant’s prior convictions and his history of bail-jumping before requesting bail of $5m.

As he listened to the list, Mr Brooks hunched over staring at his cuffed wrists.

Prosecutors announce sixth death at court hearing

Tuesday 23 November 2021 22:15 , Megan Sheets

A sixth victim has died in the wake of the Waukesha parade crash, prosecutors said at Darrell Brooks’ hearing Tuesday.

Prosecutors said the sixth victim was a child, and they expect to bring a sixth count of first-degree intentional homicide as a result.

The Independent’s Oliver O’Connell reports:

Child becomes sixth person to die after Wisconsin parade attack

Darrell Brooks appears in court

Tuesday 23 November 2021 22:03 , Megan Sheets

Darrell Brooks entered the Waukesha County Court just after 4pm CT on Tuesday to face five charges of first-degree intentional homicide.

Dressed in a dark green jumpsuit a coronavirus mask, Mr Brooks is sitting next to his attorney in handcuffs.

The hearing is being livestreamed here.

The Independent’s Graeme Massie reports:

Darrell Brooks charged as he appears in court over Waukesha parade attack

Waukesha County cops bring stuffed animals to victims in hospital

Tuesday 23 November 2021 21:50 , Megan Sheets

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department stopped by the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on Tuesday to hand out stuffed animal K9s to kids injured in Sunday’s attack.

The plushies are available to purchase for $20 each, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to victims.

The hospital on Monday confirmed it had treated 18 minors injured during the parade.

Milwaukee Brewers fundraiser rakes in nearly $35,000

Tuesday 23 November 2021 21:05 , Megan Sheets

A fundraiser hosted by the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team brought in nearly $35,000 on Tuesday morning.

Attendees were given the opportunity to meet with top members of the team, with its president of baseball operations matching every donation.

The team is sponsoring a second fundraiser through the annual Magic of Lights festival beginning on Wednesday evening.

Illinois Democrat staffer ousted after linking Kyle Rittenhouse verdict to Waukesha tragedy

Tuesday 23 November 2021 20:30 , Megan Sheets

A staff member for the Democratic Party of DuPage County in Illinois was fired after posting a string of tweets linking the Waukesha parade tragedy to Kyle Rittenhouse’s acquittal.

“It was probably just self-defense #Wisconsin #KyleRittenhouse,” social media manager Mary Lemanski tweeted, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In other posts she wrote: “You reap what you sow, Wisconsin,” and “I’m sad. I’m sad anytime anyone dies. I just believe in Karma and this came around quick on the citizens of Wisconsin.”

Ms Lemanski’s Twitter account has since been deleted and the party said it had “severed ties” with her.

WATCH: Doorbell footage of Darrell Brooks’ arrest

Tuesday 23 November 2021 20:00 , Megan Sheets

Darrell Brooks’ arrest was captured by a doorbell camera at a home where he stopped after allegedly mowing down dozens of people at Waukesha’s Christmas parade on Sunday.

The footage shows Mr Brooks telling the homeowner he’s waiting for an Uber, minutes before cops arrive to take him into custody.

Fundraisers for Waukesha victims bring in thousands

Tuesday 23 November 2021 19:26 , Megan Sheets

Friends and families of the roughly 50 people, including many children, hit by an SUV that sped through a Christmas parade in a suburban Milwaukee downtown say they suffered life-threatening injuries, with some clinging to life.

Online fundraising pleas detail the extent of some of the injuries from the incident that has left five dead so far and 48 hurt.

The Associated Press reports:

'Needs a miracle': Fundraisers plead for Waukesha victims

Probe into Darrell Brooks’ release from jail days before crash

Tuesday 23 November 2021 18:30 , Megan Sheets

An investigation has been launched into how Darrell Brooks had been released from jail on “inappropriately low” bail just 10 days before he allegedly plowed his SUV into Waukesha’s Christmas parade, killing five and injuring 48.

Reports said Mr Brooks Jr had been charged three times in less than two years with recklessly endangering the safety of others, most recently on November 5.

That was part of a domestic abuse incident for which he was also charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, and had been released on bail of just $1,000.

On Monday, officials from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office said they were investigating the bail recommendations from previous crimes said to involve Mr Brooks.

“The State’s bail recommendation in this case was inappropriately low in light of the nature of the recent charges and the pending charges against Mr Brooks,” said the office of Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.

The Independent’s Andrew Buncombe reports:

Darrell Brooks’ rap sheet dates back to 1999

Tuesday 23 November 2021 18:00 , Megan Sheets

Darrell Brooks’ extensive criminal record dating back to 1999 emerged following his arrest over the Christmas parade crash.

The 39-year-old has convictions for drug and firearm possession, strangulation, battery and resisting arrest, has been sentenced to two prison terms, and spent years on probation and under court supervision.

On 2 November, Mr Brooks was arrested on domestic violence charges after he allegedly tried to run over the mother of his child.

He was charged with recklessly endangering safety, felony bail jumping, battery, obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct.

Brooks posted the $1,000 bond and was released on 11 November.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Suspect in Wisconsin Christmas parade attack identified as Darrell Brooks

Darrell Brooks to appear in court on five charges of first-degree intentional homicide

Tuesday 23 November 2021 17:00 , Megan Sheets

Darrell Brooks, the man accused of killing five people and injuring dozens more with his SUV at Waukesha’s Christmas parade, is set to appear in court at 4pm CT on Tuesday.

The Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office intends to bring five counts of first-degree intentional homicide against Mr Brooks, with additional charges possible down the road pending the ongoing investigation.

Mr Brooks’ arrest was filmed by a doorbell camera at a home where he’d allegedly stopped to eat a sandwich and call an Uber about 20 minutes after the crash.

How a ‘Norman Rockwell-type’ Christmas parade turned into ‘senseless tragedy’

Tuesday 23 November 2021 16:43 , Megan Sheets

Waukesha, Wisconsin, is in mourning and shock after five people were killed and dozens injured when a SUV ploughed into a Christmas parade, scattering crowds and sending people fleeing in horror.

Officials in the small city outside Milwaukee said the parade, a “Norman Rockwell-type event” that the city had proudly hosted for decades for both residents and visitors, was part of its very fabric.

Yet, this year’s celebrations turned into horror when, on Sunday, a speeding SUV was seen tearing down the road on which the parade was being held, and slamming into participants and onlookers.

The Independent’s Andrew Buncombe explains how the tragedy unfolded:

How a ‘Norman Rockwell-type’ Christmas parade turned into ‘senseless tragedy’

Parade-goers asked to pick up discarded items

Tuesday 23 November 2021 16:20 , Megan Sheets

Parade-goers who abandoned belongings when Waukesha’s Christmas celebration was thrown into chaos by a speeding SUV have been asked to pick up their lost items.

The city of Waukesha put out an announcement on Tuesday morning saying police are working to connect discarded items including wallets and keys with their owners.

Other items without identifying elements such as chairs and coolers are being stored at the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, where owners can retrieve them.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website