Man accused of plowing car through Wisconsin Christmas parade escorted out of court after outbursts
The man accused of plowing his vehicle through a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, fatally striking six people, dozed off during a court appearance before lashing out at the judge and then shoving a deputy attempting to escort him to the exit.
Darrell Brooks is facing a slew of charges, including six count of first-degree intentional homicide, in connection with the deadly incident.
Darrell Brooks Jr. appears in Waukesha County Court on Friday in Waukesha, Wis. (Mark Hoffman/)
Hundreds of revelers were milling about in downtown Waukesha on Nov. 21, when Brooks allegedly drove a vehicle through the parade route. Footage from the scene later posted on the City of Waukesha Facebook page shows a red SUV racing down the roadway while a marching band passes and plays “Jingle Bells.”
In video published by WISN-TV, Brooks can be seen snoozing in his seat and calling the legal proceedings a political sham during a motions hearing on Friday.
“All this political,” he tells the judge. “You sit up here and act like you know me. People like you — you don’t know nothing about where I come from.”
His outburst prompted a warning from Judge Jennifer Dorow, who urged him to behave better after the lunch break. He can also be seen briefly brawling with a deputy as the judge reprimands him.
Judge Jennifer R. Dorow addresses defendant Darrell Brooks Jr. before he was removed from court after arguing with her and deputies Friday in Waukesha, Wis(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool) (Mark Hoffman/)
“Don’t push me dog,” he says to a deputy.
“Don’t push back then. Don’t push back,” the deputy responds.
“Push me again,” the suspect says.
This Nov. 16, 2021, photo provided by the Waukesha County Sheriff Office in Waukesha, Wis., shows Darrell Brooks Jr.
Brooks can also be seen sitting quietly when court resumes, but then tells Dorow: “I really don’t want to be here right now.”
In the end, he was charged with contempt and escorted from the courtroom. If convicted on just one count of intentional homicide, Brooks will face life in prison.
