WISCONSIN — Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., issued a rare joint statement Saturday, hoping to help heal Waukesha after the tragic holiday parade Sunday. 

"It has come to our attention that outside individuals or groups may attempt to exploit the tragedy that occurred last Sunday in Waukesha for their own political purposes. As the U.S. Senators representing Wisconsin, one from each political party, we are asking anyone considering such action to cease and desist," the statement said. 

Darrell Brooks Jr., a Milwaukee man, has been charged with intentional homicide after police said he drove an SUV through a Wisconsin Christmas parade Sunday evening, leaving at least six people dead and 62 injured. 

Additional charges are set to be filed soon. 

The Wisconsin Sens. applauded law enforcement for their efforts in the case, and asked others to show them respect. 

"We have full confidence in the local officials who responded with extraordinary professionalism, competence, integrity and compassion. They have many difficult duties to perform in the coming days, weeks, and months, and they should be afforded the respect and support they deserve to undertake their responsibilities without outside interference," the statement said. 

In Brooks' initial appearance Tuesday afternoon, the court set cash bail at $5 million.

The six victims are Jackson Sparks, 8, Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.

Sens. Baldwin and Johnson said local officials are focusing on helping the families of the deceased and injured, as well as working to heal the community as a whole. 

They're asking outside organizations to allow the space for them to be successful in their outreach. 

"Their top priority is to begin the healing process within Waukesha by providing comfort and support to surviving family members of the deceased, and those injured both in body and spirit. They must also conduct a thorough investigation and afford the accused full due process. These will not be easy tasks, and will be made even more difficult if conducted within a politically charged atmosphere," the statement said. 

For those wondering how to help, and not exploit, Waukesha's families, the politicians called for prayers and monetary donations. 

"We ask everyone to demonstrate their interest and concern by praying for the victims, their families, and the entire community of Waukesha. The Waukesha Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have also established the 'United for Waukesha Community Fund' for those who wish to provide financial support for the victims."

For more ways to help, click here.