GoFundMe pulls $5M bail fundraiser for Waukesha SUV 'killer' Darrell Brooks and says it will BAN all future attempts to raise money after judge was blasted for setting bond
- GoFundMe takes down fundraiser for accused Waukesha 'killer' Darrell Brooks
- Crowdfunding campaign was started by someone identified as James Norton
- Norton wrote that Brooks 'would NEVER do such a thing' and that he's 'innocent'
- Brooks has been charged in the deaths of five people in Waukesha on Sunday
- Police say he was behind wheel of SUV that plowed into annual holiday parade
- Six people died and 60 others suffered injuries, according to authorities
- GoFundMe has banned Norton from posting fundraisers in the future
GoFundMe has removed a crowdfunding effort aimed at raising $5million toward bail for Darrell Brooks, the Waukesha, Wisconsin 'killer' who allegedly plowed his red SUV into scores of people during a holiday parade on Sunday, killing six and injured dozens more.
Brooks, who was charged with five counts of homicide, was arraigned in court on Tuesday.
Waukesha Court Commissioner Kevin M. Costello set bail at $5million - a move that sparked anger considering Brooks’ violent past that includes convictions for felonies.
At the time of the Waukesha incident, Brooks was out on $1,000 bail after he was arrested earlier this month for allegedly trying to run over the mother of his child with his car.
The GoFundMe page was initially posted by someone who identified themselves as James Norton of Waukesha.

GoFundMe has removed a crowdfunding effort aimed at raising $5million toward bail for Darrell Brooks, the Waukesha, Wisconsin man who allegedly plowed his red SUV into scores of people during a holiday parade on Sunday, killing six people

The GoFundMe page was initially posted by someone who identified themselves as James Norton of Waukesha

Brooks, 39, the driver of the SUV that crashed into the crowd Sunday, made his first appearance in court Tuesday

Brooks is the man who is allegedly seen in the photo above as he drove into the crowd of parade goers in Waukesha on Sunday

Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin M. Costello (above) set bail for Brooks at $5million
'On November 21st, 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 wrote.
'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.
'There is no excuse for this continued treatment of black Americans by prosecutors around the country, everyone must be presumed innocent until proven guilty and we ask that he be treated equally as anyone else in this country would be treated and he should be released until found guilty.'
The message ended with the hashtags #BLM, #IStandWithDarrell, #NoJusticeNoPeace, and #RacismIsReal.
A GoFundMe spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that the crowdfunding page violated its terms of service and that Norton 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 deem necessary,’ the spokesperson said.

Brooks, dressed in a green sleeveless bulletproof vest, was consoled by his public defender as he sobbed in court. His court-appointed legal expert raised eyebrows when she was seen rubbing Brooks' back and attempting to comfort him


Darrell Brooks, 39, is ushered into court in Wisconsin on Tuesday for his bail hearing. He was later seen rocking back and forth in his chair during the hearing, staring at the floor throughout
After last year’s arrest of Kyle Rittenhouse, the Kenosha shooter who was acquitted of murder last week, GoFundMe removed several fundraisers that were started for his legal defense.
The company said that its terms of service ‘prohibit raising money for the legal defense of an alleged crime.’
After Rittenhouse’s acquittal last week, GoFundMe posted a blog post stating that any subsequent fundraisers ‘would not violate this policy.’
'A fundraiser to pay lawyers, cover legal expenses or to help with ongoing living expenses for a person acquitted of those charges could remain active as long as we determine it is not in violation of any of our other terms and, for example, the purpose is clearly stated and the correct beneficiary is added to the fundraiser,' according to the company.
At the time GoFundMe removed the fundraisers to help Rittenhouse last year, conservatives accused the firm of having a liberal bias.
An 8-year-old boy became the sixth person to die Tuesday as a result of Brooks allegedly driving his SUV into the holiday parade in Waukesha.
The criminal complaint alleges that Brooks steered side-to-side with the intent of striking marchers and spectators.
The 39-year-old Brooks was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.

Brooks is seen far right sitting in the courtroom, wearing a white mask and green vest
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 $5million, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 14.
'The nature of this offense is shocking,' said Costello.
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.
Five people ranging in age from 52 to 81 were pronounced dead within hours.
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.
The city's livestream video and bystander video captured the chaotic scene when an SUV sped along the parade route and then into the crowd. Several of those injured remain in critical condition.
According to the criminal complaint, witnesses told police that the vehicle 'appeared to be intentionally moving side to side,' with no attempt to slow down or stop as it struck multiple people and sent bodies and objects flying.
Brooks ignored several attempts to stop him, according to the criminal complaint.
A detective — wearing police insignia and a neon orange safety vest — stepped in front of Brooks' vehicle and pounded on the hood, shouting 'Stop,' several times but Brooks drove past him, according to the complaint.
A uniformed police officer who saw Brooks' SUV traveling toward the parade route also tried to get his attention, yelling 'Stop, stop the vehicle' several times but was ignored, according to the complaint.


SIXTH VICTIM: Jackson Sparks, 8, died of his injuries in the hospital, it was learned Tuesday. Pictured right: Jackson Sparks (below) is pictured with his older brother Tucker, 12 (above). Jackson's death was confirmed on Tuesday. Jackson is the youngest of the six victims from the Christmas parade tragedy

Jackson Sparks (right), aged eight, and his 12-year-old brother Tucker (left) were both injured by Brooks' car, with the impact killing Jackson
The officer 'observed the driver looking straight ahead, directly at him, and it appeared he had no emotion on his face,' the complaint said.
Brooks braked at one point, but instead of turning away from the parade route, he turned into the crowd and appeared to rapidly accelerate, the complaint said.
Another police officer shot at the vehicle, striking it three times as it entered the parade route. Brooks was not hit by the bullets, the Waukesha police chief said Monday.
The complaint said one witness who spoke with police said the SUV 'continued to drive in a zig zag motion. It was like the SUV was trying to avoid vehicles, not people. There was no attempt made by the vehicle to stop, much less slow down.'
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he drove into the parade route.
He had been free on $1,000 bail for a case in Milwaukee County earlier in November in which he's accused of intentionally striking a woman with his car.
Prosecutors said they're investigating their bail recommendation in that case, calling it inappropriately low.
Brooks has been charged with crimes more than a dozen times since 1999, mostly in Wisconsin but also in Georgia and Nevada, and had two outstanding cases against him at the time of the parade disaster.
That included resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless endangering, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery for the November 2 incident.
Thompson said that there was no evidence the bloodshed Sunday was a terrorist attack or that Brooks knew anyone in the parade. Brooks acted alone, the chief said.
NBC News published doorbell camera footage that appeared to capture Brooks' arrest.
It showed Brooks, shivering in just a T-shirt, knocking on a homeowner's door and asking for help calling for a ride.


Tucker, 12 (right in both pictures), suffered a fractured skull and 8-year-old Jackson (bottom in first photo, left is second photo) suffered severe head injuries. Pictured right: Aaron (back) and Sheri Sparks (left) are pictured with their sons. Their youngest son was killed in the Christmas parade tragedy
Moments later, police surrounded the house and shouted, 'Hands up!' Brooks, standing on the porch, held up his hands and said, 'Whoa whoa whoa!'
Hundreds gathered at a downtown park Monday night in Waukesha, Wisconsin, for a candlelight vigil in honor of those lost and hurt.
A pair of clergy solemnly read the names of those who died.
Volunteers handed out sandwiches, hot chocolate and candles at the vigil, which was attended by interfaith leaders and elected officials.
'We are parents. We are neighbors. We are hurting. We are angry. We are sad. We are confused. We are thankful. We are all in this together. We are Waukesha Strong,' said a tearful Amanda Medina Roddy with the Waukesha school district.
Mayor Shawn Reilly described the parade as a 'Norman Rockwell-type' event that 'became a nightmare.'
Mother of Waukesha SUV parade 'killer' regrets posting his $1,000 bail after he ran over his girlfriend just days earlier: 'I'm blaming myself'
Brooks’ mother is ‘wrecked’ and ‘blaming herself’ for posting her son’s $1,000 bail just days before he allegedly got into his red Ford SUV and plowed into scores of holiday parade goers in Wisconsin, killing six and injuring dozens, according to an ex-girlfriend.
A former girlfriend of Brooks, a convicted felon who has a lengthy criminal record, told the New York Post on Wednesday that the man's mother, Dawn Woods, sprung him from jail after his arrest for punching a woman.
Brooks was also accused of intentionally running the woman - who is the mother of his child - over with his car at a gas station on November 2.
'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-girlfriend, who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity, said.
The ex-girlfriend, a resident of suburban Milwaukee, also shares a child with Brooks. She told the Post she has had very little contact with her former lover in the last 20 years.

Brooks' mother reportedly told his ex-girlfriend that if she never bailed out her son earlier this month, the carnage in Waukesha would never have happened. The image above shows a red SUV just moments before it plowed into people marching in the parade procession in Waukesha on Sunday
She also said that her child has not interacted with his father since he was a baby.
'He disappeared when my son was almost 3 months old,' she said.
'I've done all of this on my own, raised my child by myself.'
Waukesha police said that Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into the annual holiday parade on Sunday.
Brooks 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 $5million, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 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.
'When I saw his picture online, I was like, "What the f***?",' his ex told The Post.
'I was embarrassed enough to have him as the father of my child beforehand, because he wasn't taking care of him,” she said.
'What do you think I am now? Mortified.'
She said she regrets having a child with Brooks.
'I wish I could replace him as the person I had a son with, but I can't,' she told the Post.
'I am sickened by it, obviously devastated, can't sleep,' she said.
'I've been donating and saying prayers and doing everything that I can.'
She added: 'What's hurting me more is he shares DNA with my child.'
Even though she lost touch with Brooks, the woman says that she has remained in contact with Brooks’ mother , who ‘has never condoned any of his bad behavior.’
'She's always condemned everything that he’s done … even weed possession, she's never condoned,' the ex said.
'She's always been very resolute on, "You need to do better. You need to do right. This is not how I raised you".'
Anger mounted on Tuesday after bail for Brooks was set at $5 million - despite him having already been free on bail from a previous crime at the time of Sunday's carnage.
On Tuesday - as it was learned a sixth victim, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, had died of his injuries - bail was once again set for Brooks.
Waukesha police have identified Virginia Sorenson, 79; Leana 'Lee' Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52 and Wilhelm Hospel, 82 as the other five victims.
Under Wisconsin law, Brooks must pay 100 percent - the full $5million - of his bail in order to be freed, rather than a percentage as applicable in some states.
While a bail bondsman could provide the fee, the person requesting the bond would typically have to put a portion of the bail, as well.
Judge Kevin Costello said the sum was 'extraordinarily high' for the 'indigent' Brooks, but critics pointed out that there was nothing to prevent someone from volunteering to pay the $5million fee or crowdsource the cash.
That's what happened with Kyle Rittenhouse, who was on Friday acquitted of murder in August 2020 shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, whose bail had been set at $2 million but his supporters crowdfunded the cash.
It was unclear why the judge did not simply deny Brooks bail, given the suspect's 22-year criminal history, multiple failures to previously show up in court, and multiple instances of social media activity with violent themes.
A now-deleted Facebook account belonging to Brooks showed the alleged killer had encouraged knocking 'white ppl [the f**k] out' and also appeared to support the controversial Black Hebrew Israelites.
Sex offender, drug user and violent abuser… but STILL freed to kill: Mugshots chart shocking criminal career of Waukesha massacre suspect
Sunday's disaster at the Waukesha Christmas parade, where convicted felon Darrell Brooks killed five adults, one child and injured 60 more by driving through crowds in his red SUV, was the latest in a long history of violent crimes by the 39-year-old whose rap sheet goes back 22 years and includes convictions in multiple states.
Brooks is now in custody in Waukehsa, Wisconsin on five murder charges. He also has two active cases in Milwaukee.
The 39-year-old - who is also a registered sex offender - has a long criminal history dating back to 1999 with more than 15 arrests in the state of Wisconsin alone for charges including possession of drugs, strangulation and suffocation, battery, illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon and resisting arrest.
These mugshots chart the shocking criminal career of the massacre suspect who was freed to kill.
2006 and 2007
In 2006, Brooks was convicted in a Nevada court for statutory rape after he had sex with a minor. Brooks was 24 years old at the time of his conviction.
A social media video of him taken before Sunday's incident shows him trying to explain that the victim was the mother of his oldest daughter who he 'didn't know was 16' when they had sex.
He is also listed as a sex offender in Nevada.
In March 2007, Brooks was charged after threatening to bomb a Nevada casino.
But he had a long criminal history before that. An aspiring rapper who 'turned to the streets at a very young age,' Brooks was first arrested in 1999 for aggravated battery, according to court records.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to six months behind bars and three years probation.
He was arrested again the following year on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, loitering, resisting or obstructing an officer and possession of cocaine. Brooks was convicted and sentenced to probation.
In 2002, the now-career criminal was sentenced to 50 days behind bars after being charged with possession of THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
He was also charged with obstructing an officer and driving a vehicle without consent.
Brooks received a 20-day sentence in 2003 for a misdemeanor charge of resisting or obstructing an officer.
In March 2005 he was charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
Those charges came a month after he served a two-day sentence for misdemeanor obstructing an officer.


In 2006, Brooks was convicted in a Nevada court for statutory rape after he had sex with a minor. Brooks was 24 years old at the time of his conviction. A social media video of him taken before Sunday's incident shows him trying to explain that the victim was the mother of his oldest daughter who he 'didn't know was 16' when they had sex. He is also listed as a sex offender in Nevada. In March 2007, Brooks was charged after threatening to bomb a Nevada casino. But he had a long criminal history before that. An aspiring rapper who 'turned to the streets at a very young age,' Brooks was first arrested in 1999 for aggravated battery, according to court records. Pictured: Left, Brooks in his 2006 mugshot
2011
In the years leading up to his 2011 arrest, Brooks was issued a paternity warrant in 2009 and also convicted of misdemeanor resisting an officer.
In 2010, he was charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse battery and criminal damage to property.
After pleading no contest to felony strangulation and suffocation, and violating his probation, Brooks was sentenced to 11 months behind bars and three years probation.
He faced several criminal charges in 2011 including violating probation, failure to appear in court, paternity warrant, possession of THC, possession with intent (THC) and bail jumping.
Brooks also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer in 2011, leading to a 37-day jail sentence.
The second incident of THC possession resulted in a 180-day jail sentence. Additionally, misdemeanor bail jumping and another THC offense in 2011 led to another 180-day jail sentence.


In the years leading up to his 2011 arrest, Brooks was issued a paternity warrant in 2009 and also convicted of misdemeanor resisting an officer. In 2010, he was charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse battery and criminal damage to property. He faced several criminal charges in 2011 including violating probation, failure to appear in court, paternity warrant, possession of THC, possession with intent (THC) and bail jumping. Brooks also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer in 2011, leading to a 37-day jail sentence. He was sentenced to two 180-day terms. Pictured: Bboth of Brooks' 2011 mugshots
2016 and 2020
After serving his 2011 jail terms, Brooks was again charged in 2012 charged with bail jumping, failure to appear in court and resisting an officer. In November of that same year he was charged with possession of THC.
On June 23, 2016, he was arrested in Sparks, Nevada for failing to register as a sex offender. He posted bail on the charge but never appeared in court and has had an active warrant in the state ever since.
In July 2020, he was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a dangerous weapon as a convicted felon.


On June 23, 2016, Brooks was arrested in Sparks, Nevada for failing to register as a sex offender. He posted bail on the charge but never appeared in court and has had an active warrant in the state ever since. In July 2020, he was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a dangerous weapon as a convicted felon
2021
After spending eight months behind bars between July 2020 and February 2021 for shooting at another vehicle on the road after a fight, Brooks found himself out on bail after a bond previously at $10,000 was dropped to $500 in February.
He was then arrested again, on November 2, in Milwaukee, for hunting down the mother of one of his children at a local hotel. He then followed her down the street with his red Ford SUV - seen in one of the wannabe rapper's music videos - and allegedly ran her over in the parking lot of a gas station after she refused to get into his car.


After spending eight months behind bars between July 2020 and February 2021 for shooting at another vehicle on the road after a fight, Brooks found himself out on bail after a bond previously at $10,000 was dropped to $500 in February. On November 2, or hunting down the mother of one of his children at a local hotel. He then followed her down the street with his red Ford SUV - seen in one of the wannabe rapper's music videos - and allegedly ran her over in the parking lot of a gas station after she refused to get into his car. DailyMail.com obtained copies of his arrest warrant for that incident on Monday which reveal he followed her to a gas station, punched her 'with a closed fist' and then 'ran her over.' The car appears to be the same one used in Sunday's murders. He was let out on November 11 after posting $1,000 bail

By November 19 - two days before the Waukesha attack - Brooks was on the streets again; and by November 21, Brooks was allowed back behind the wheel of his Ford. After Sunday night's massacre, which saw a speeding, red SUV plow into paradegoers in the suburban town in the neighboring county of Waukesha, Brooks was again apprehended by Milwaukee police as a suspect. Officials say he was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee. The attack left at least six dead and dozens injured. One neighbor claims his ex-girlfriend was seen 'running away with no shoes and a black eye', moments before the carnage. Police identified the first five killed as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81. There was no evidence that Brooks knew anyone in the parade. He is now in custody on five charges of intentional homicide , a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
DailyMail.com obtained copies of his arrest warrant for that incident on Monday which reveal he followed her to a gas station, punched her 'with a closed fist' and then 'ran her over.' The car appears to be the same one used in Sunday's murders.
Brooks was subsequently arrested and charged with five counts including bail jumping, for having failed to meet the terms of one of his many other sets of bail or probation requirements.

However, on November 11, the culpable criminal once again escaped incarceration by posting bail - this time on a $1,000 cash bond.
By November 19 - two days before the Waukesha attack - he was on the streets again; and by November 21, Brooks was allowed back behind the wheel of his Ford.
After Sunday night's massacre, which saw a speeding, red SUV plow into paradegoers in the suburban town in the neighboring county of Waukesha, Brooks was again apprehended by Milwaukee police as a suspect.
Officials say he was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee. The attack left at least six dead and dozens injured.
One neighbor claims his ex-girlfriend was seen 'running away with no shoes and a black eye', moments before the carnage.
Police identified the first five killed as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
There was no evidence that Brooks knew anyone in the parade.
He is now in custody on five charges of intentional homicide, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Additional charges relating to the sixth death which emerged Tuesday night and the more than 60 people injured will be coming later this week or next, said Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper.
The sixth victim eight-year-old Jackson Sparks was walking in the parade with his 12-year-old brother Tucker, who was injured in the crash and is due to be discharged from 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.
'Tucker, by the grace of God is miraculously recovering from his injuries and will be being discharged home.'
Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm released a statement Monday admitting Brooks should not have been released on a $1,000 bond earlier this month following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving his girlfriend.
On Sunday, just 20 minutes after the massacre, Brooks was captured by the doorbell camera, shivering and standing on the porch before area resident Daniel Rider opened his front door to him.
'I called an Uber and I'm supposed to be waiting for it over here, but I don't know when it's coming,' Brooks can be heard telling Rider. 'Can you call it for me please? I'm homeless.'
Rider later told NBC News he did not know that the Christmas parade attack had happened at the time as he was in the middle of watching football after coming back from a hunting trip.
Rider said he had invited Brooks into his home and given him a jacket, made him a sandwich and let him use his phone.
'All of a sudden, I look outside my street and I see a few cop cars drive by and I'm getting extra nervous,' he said, before asking Brooks to leave - which he did.
Rider said his neighbor then called the police, and shortly afterwards Brooks began 'pounding' on Rider's front door for a second time, claiming he had left his ID inside.

The Christmas parade began on Sunday at 4pm, with participants starting at Main St. and Whiterock Ave. It was always intended to be a short parade, ending half a mile away at the northeast corner of Cutler Park. At 4.39pm, the red SUV is filmed speeding down Main Street. It smashed into the crowd, and sent bodies flying, before carrying on down towards the end of the parade, where the car broke through barriers. The SUV was found less than five blocks away and the driver was taken into custody but it's unclear exactly where

Terrifying video posted to social media shows a speeding red SUV collide into a group of people marching in the middle of the street during the annual holiday parade in Waukesha, some 20 miles west of downtown Milwaukee

The SUV was found around five blocks from where the parade carnage took place, parked in a driveway. It's unclear whose home it was or if he was found inside, but he was taken into custody nearby
'Then the next thing you know, you see the cops with lights on him saying, 'Hands in the air, hands in the air.'
The video footage shows Brooks pacing around on Rider's front porch before police officers can be seen arriving at the house with bright flash lights and ordering Brooks to put his hands in the air.
Rider said his neighbor then called the police, and shortly afterwards Brooks began 'pounding' on Rider's front door for a second time, claiming he had left his ID inside.
'Then the next thing you know, you see the cops with lights on him saying, 'Hands in the air, hands in the air.'
The video footage shows Brooks pacing around on Rider's front porch before police officers can be seen arriving at the house with bright flash lights and ordering Brooks to put his hands in the air.