Silicon Valley-Backed GoFundMe Mires in Controversy After Initially Allowing Fundraising for Waukesha Christmas Massacre Suspect
Posted on 11/25/2021
GoFundMe, Inc., which raised capital from investors such as ICONIQ Capital, Accel, and Greylock, initially allowed a fundraiser for Darrell Brooks Jr. (age 39), who has been charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide after Sunday’s Christmas parade massacre in Waukesha. Darrell Brooks was arrested for driving his Ford SUV into a Christmas parade in Waukesha. Brooks faces five consecutive life sentences, with more charges on the way, prosecutors said. The GoFundMe was created in a bid to raise US$ 5 million for his bail. Video evidence shows Darrell Brooks drove through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing at least six people, including a child. At least 40 people were injured, including children who remain in critical condition.
GoFundMe confirmed to news sources that the fundraiser was removed from the platform because it violated the GoFundMe Terms of Service.