Brendan O’Brien, Julio-Cesar Chavá

WAUKESHA (Wis.) – A motorist was accused of attacking a Christmas parade in Wisconsin that left five dead and more than 48 injured. He will face criminal charges Tuesday, his first appearance after the rampage on Saturday.

Darrell Brooks (39), was scheduled to appear in Waukesha Circuit Court at 4:00 p.m. CST (2200 GMT). This is after police said that Brooks drove his SUV through the Waukesha annual parade barricades, approximately 20 miles (32.5 km) west from Milwaukee.

On Monday, Chief Daniel Thompson of Waukesha Police said that his department will refer five cases for first-degree intentional murder to the prosecutors. Additional charges may be brought later in the investigation.

However, Waukesha County District attorney Sue Opper stated on Tuesday that she was still considering what charges against Brooks. Brooks is a Milwaukee resident who was arrested close to the scene of the violence shortly after.

According to police, terrorist acts have been ruled out and Brooks was freed on bail for a domestic violence case.

Brooks was not being pursued by police as he drove through the parade route. Thompson stated that one officer did fire shots in an attempt to stop Brooks’ sport utility vehicle.

At most 18 children sustained facial injuries, fractures or head injuries. According to officials, six of the children were considered critical. Officials said that at least two children had been released from the hospital.

These five victims, aged 52-81 years, were some of the parade members known as “Milwaukee Dancing Grannies”.

The group posted on Facebook (NASDAQ 🙂 Tuesday that their hearts were heavy at the loss of their grannies, volunteers. They also added that some injured members are in stable condition while one was released from hospital.

President Joe Biden called it “horrific,” as did Pope Francis. On Tuesday, the Vatican conveyed condolences to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Milwaukee.

The message stated that the pope “commends souls of those who have died to almighty God’s loving mercy, and implores God’s divine gifts of healing und consolation upon the hurt and bereaved.”

Jeremy Wittig, a 39-year-old information technology professional said that Waukesha is strong during one of the many vigils or services Monday. That’s why we are out here.”

A video of the incident, posted online by social media, showed a red SUV running alongside the parade route. The vehicle then entered the procession.

Brian Hoffman (33), a Waukesha resident recounted Monday, “I saw children that were run over.” I am still shocked.

Brooks was freed from custody on Nov. 11 after posting $1,000 cash bail. This amount was deemed inappropriate in light the nature and severity of the charges against Brooks by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors and records from the state court show that Brooks was arrested on Nov. 5, with Brooks being charged with battery, reckless harm, disorderly conduct, and obstruction an officer in a case involving domestic abuse.

Thompson reported that just before Sunday’s assault on the parade, officers received a complaint of domestic disturbance involving Brooks.