Trial Begins for Man Accused of Driving Into Wis. Christmas Parade

Facts

On Monday, the trial began for Darrell Brooks, a 40-year-old man accused of driving an SUV through a crowd of people attending the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade in Wisconsin last November, killing six. Brooks faces 77 criminal charges and will represent himself.
Brooks was identified as the driver of the SUV after he allegedly drove around barricades and then sped into the crowd as he reportedly fled a domestic incident with his female partner.
The victims killed in the incident ranged from 8 to 81 years old. Hundreds of parade goers witnessed the attack and provided cell phone videos to police. Some witnesses are expected to be called to testify.
Brooks has an extensive criminal record and had been arrested three weeks prior to the parade for domestic abuse. When asked about the attack in 2021, Brooks told Fox News "I just feel like I'm being monster - demonized."
During court proceedings in which Brooks requested to represent himself, the assigned judge removed him from the court multiple times when he complained about paperwork, claimed to not recognize his own name, and claimed to be a "sovereign citizen" not under the jurisdiction of the court.
The trial is expected to last approximately one month, however, Brooks' decision to defend himself could prolong the proceedings.

Narrative A, as provided by CBS. While nothing justifies his heinous crimes, Darrell Brooks suffered from mental illness for most of his life. He was treated as a child and then deemed "healed" as an adult resulting in a lack of proper medical care. Jail is not the answer in cases like these. Until the mental health system is fixed, these tragic incidents will continue to happen. His actions are a result of a system that failed him.
Narrative B, as provided by Fox. Law and order must prevail here. Four psychologists evaluated Darrell Brooks and determined that while he does have a personality disorder, he is intelligent and articulate enough to represent himself at trial. He has been competent enough to withdraw his plea and competency has never been raised in any of his previous cases.