Waukesha Christmas parade continues tradition along a new route

Jenny Goldsberry

December 04, 08:38 PM December 04, 08:38 PM

The Waukesha Christmas parade continued its tradition Sunday along a new route, one year after a driver killed six people and injured dozens more at the annual event.

Some 80 groups joined the parade, many returning from the previous year. This year's them was "Peace on Earth" and featured various symbols of those who were affected by the violence, including angel wing decorations, and signs that read "Waukesha Strong." The parade lasted 90 minutes after beginning at 4 p.m.

WATCH: JUDGE IN WAUKESHA PARADE KILLER TRIAL SOUNDS OFF ON WISCONSIN BAIL LAWS

Health Hearts of Wisconsin remained on standby during the parade, offering support for those still grieving the loss of lives. Mayor Shawn N. Reilly also promised increased security at the event.

Suspect Darrell Brooks was continuously disruptive throughout his trial. The suspect, who acted as his own attorney, would frequently interrupt the prosecutors and Judge Jennifer Dorow and become combative. Brooks' repeated outbursts became a hallmark of the trial, with the suspect being forcibly removed from the courtroom on a regular basis.

After being found guilty by the jury of all 76 charges brought against him, Dorow sentenced Brooks to six life sentences without the possibility of extended supervision. He has since filed a notice of intent to appeal.

Judge in Waukesha Christmas parade killer trial to run for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Julia Johnson

November 29, 04:38 PM November 29, 04:38 PM

Waukesha County Judge Jennifer Dorow, who presided over the trial for Christmas parade killer Darrell Brooks, will run for Wisconsin's Supreme Court in the spring.

Earlier this month, Dorow sentenced Brooks to six terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of extended supervision for the six people whose deaths he is responsible for. After pleading not guilty to 77 counts for his actions during the Waukesha Christmas parade in November 2021, a jury found Brooks guilty of every criminal charge brought against him, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide.

'WOULD BE NO HUNGER': ALYSSA MILANO SLAMS MUSK BUYING TWITTER RATHER THAN DONATING

The tragedy gained national attention when it occurred, and Brooks's behavior during his trial a year later kept the case in the headlines and allowed it to gain notoriety on both TikTok and Twitter. Dorow also gained fame during the trial for how she dealt with Brooks's misbehavior.

Dorow's family confirmed her intentions to run for Supreme Court with a local television station.

"It’s been so overwhelming to receive so much support and encouragement to consider running for the state Supreme Court,” the judge said.

An appointee of then-Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) in 2011, Dorow is expected to be a conservative candidate. She would be running to replace retiring conservative Justice Pat Roggensack. Several others are vying for the position, including conservative former Justice Daniel Kelly as well as Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell and Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz, who would both be liberal justices.

They will all face off in a February primary, wherein the two who receive the most votes will advance to the April general election.

Asked about competing with conservative Kelly, she said, "When you look generally at elections, I think it’s not a bad thing to have options and to have healthy, vigorous debate among candidates."