Photo Courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Justice
According to The Daily Mail, GoFundMe has removed a $5 million bail fundraiser set up for Darell E. Brooks, the suspect charged with the deadly Waukesha, Wisconsin, Christmas parade crash.
A spokesperson for the website said that the campaign created for Brooks violated their terms of service, and the creator has been banned from using the site.
“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 said.
The outlet reported that Waukesha Court Commissioner Kevin M. Costello set bail at $5 million, which upset folks after it was reported that he is known for having a history of violence and crimes.
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At the time of the crash, Brooks was out on $1,000 bail after he was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly trying to run over the mother of his child.
The GoFundMe page was first shared by someone known as James Norton.
As a message on the page, Norton wrote, “On November 21, 2021, our dear friend Darrell Brooks was arrested for allegedly driving his car into a parade. As someone who knows Darrell personally, I can tell you that he would NEVER do such a thing, and I know he is innocent of what he was charged with.”
Norton continued, “Clearly, there is more to the story the media is not telling us, and I am seeking to raise the bail so Darrell can be released and speak his truth to his side of the story in this tragic situation that sees another black man behind bars in a purely political and racist trial.”
“The nature of this offense is shocking,” said Costello.
According to the criminal complaint against Brooks, 62 people were injured in the accident.
As previously reported, Brooks is being accused of speeding through a Christmas parade on November 21, resulting in four deaths and injuries to dozens of people. Brooks refused to stop as officers banged on the hood of his SUV and opened fire on the vehicle.
Brooks has a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 14.