GoFundMe Page Pulled For Man Charged In Christmas Parade Deaths

WAUKESHA, WI — A fundraiser for bail funds for the man accused of driving an SUV through the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Sunday has been taken down, GoFundMe confirmed to Patch.

“We removed the fundraiser before any funds were raised because it violates GoFundMe Terms of Service,” a GoFundMe spokesperson said.

The fundraiser organizer has also been banned from using the GoFundMe platform for any future fundraisers, the spokesperson said.

Darrell Brooks Jr., 39, was charged Tuesday with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the tragedy, which resulted in six deaths and more than 60 injuries. Prosecutors said they intended to file a sixth intentional homicide charge after the death of the sixth victim. His bail was set at $5 million.

“Fundraisers with misuse are very rare, and we take all complaints very seriously," the spokesperson said. "Our team works with law enforcement to report issues and assists them in any investigations they deem necessary.”

GoFundMe launched a Waukesha Christmas Parade Hub as a way for people to identify verified fundraisers. The hub will continue to be updated as new fundraisers are verified, the spokesperson said.

Editor’s Note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.