Conservatives are in disbelief over the arrest of a man who was peacefully protesting a "pride" event on a public sidewalk in Reading, Pennsylvania, this week. The interaction between the protester, Damon Atkins, and the police officer, Bradley McClure, was so stunning that the man filming it remarks, "I cannot believe I'm watching this." On social media, many users agreed.
So what did Atkins do that was so egregious, prompting his arrest? He was reading a Bible verse when the officer told him to "let them have their day."
Atkins reminded him he was standing on public property.
"OK, well then respect it," the officer replied.
"You know who's cheering for us? The people that are in hell," Atkins said. "So, you do you, and I'm going to do me. This is public property."
As soon as Atkins resumed reading, getting only "God" out, the officer rushed over and said, "That's it, you're done."
According to an affidavit, McClure claimed Atkins was "yelling derogatory comments" after he warned him against doing so and arrested him for disorderly conduct.
Reading, PA: Damon Atkins was Arrested on a public street sidewalk for Free Speech, said "God" Cop said "That's it" This cop needs to be fired now: Bradley Mcclure. Badge #668 pic.twitter.com/XAJMwDGGFO
— No #MFP #LLSD Blue-pill of #MSMlies (@Becky__BT) June 6, 2023
This is America now. You can be arrested for reading the Bible because it might offend people at a pride parade. Free speech is under assault and it won’t survive if normal people don’t speak up and fight for it. https://t.co/G6zhylmTIq
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) June 7, 2023
I hope this guy sues the city of Reading, PA for the outrageous arrest. Only the left can protest? This is disturbing & it's time to demand EQUAL justice for ALL. https://t.co/5DqSpgykhN
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 7, 2023
In a statement to the Daily Caller, the Reading Police Department defended the arrest.
"He was not arrested for reading a Bible verse," a police spokesperson told the outlet. "He was arrested for being disorderly. His volume was at a level that he was heckling a preplanned and permitted event. He was given an area he was allowed to protest in, and was asked to keep volume at a level that was not problematic or that was inciting public inconvenience."