MEMPHIS, Tenn. —Seven people were arrested Saturday in another protest to support removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest monument.
Charges included obstructing a highway, disorderly conduct and desecration of a venerated object, Memphis Police said.
A protester made the daring move to cover the Nathan Bedford Forrest monument Saturday, causing police to push forward full force.
“We were having a peaceful rally until police rushed in and dragged people,” Said Edie Love.
Police says the cuffs only came out when protesters tried to cover the monument.
“The police came up pushing, they came up shoving, they started the riot. What are they going to do, blame it on the people,” said Antonio Caphey.
Six people were handcuffed and put in the back of cruisers just when it seemed things were under control.
Protesters surrounded the police cars and refused to move.
“They put our folks in cars so we tried to stop them from leaving. That’s when they pushed me with a police car,” Love said.
That sent protesters on a new mission, marching to make sure their friends get out of jail.
Police lined the streets and snatched protesters on their way to rally for the release of the other protesters.
“Take that statue down, we mean it,” said Caphey.
“I am going to go to Walmart, buy a tent, and I will camp out until they are released.”
These protesters came out around 5 p.m. While the numbers dwindled later many planned to stay overnight.
Bail was posted later, according to protester’s social media posts.
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