Prosecutors dropped fees in opposition to a person arrested for reciting Bible verses subsequent to a LGBTQ Pride march in Pennsylvania final week.
The workplace of the Berks County District Attorney stated it was now not pursuing disorderly conduct fees in opposition to Damon Atkins following his arrest Tuesday in Reading.
“The charges were withdrawn after the District Attorney’s Office reviewed the videos of the incident along with applicable case law,” the workplace wrote in a launch final week.
A Christian Man In Pennsylvania Has Been Arrested For Reading The Bible.
Damon Atkins was studying a verse from 1 Corinthians 14:33 – throughout a Pride occasion in Reading, PA however was arrested earlier than he might end the verse. pic.twitter.com/PnAX38oVTl</ a>
— Emily (@Emme0703) June 7, 2023
Video of the incident exhibits Mr. Atkins arguing with police Sgt. Bradley McClure about his proper to reveal throughout the road from town’s Pride celebration. The officer tells Mr. Atkins to “let them have their day,” to which Mr. Atkins responds that he’s on public property.
Sgt. McClure finally says, “That’s it, you’re done” and handcuffs Mr. Atkins. Participants within the Pride occasion clap.
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach informed The Lancaster Patriot, “From what I have seen thus far I believe this was an unlawful arrest and could open the city of Reading and their police department to legal action.”
According to Fox News Digital, Mr. Atkins was arrested whereas making an attempt to recite 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
An affidavit obtained by the community stated the arresting officer informed Mr. Atkins he wasn’t allowed to “yell comments intended to disrupt the event.” Once Mr. Atkins “resumed yelling derogatory comments,” he was arrested.
Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com