Arrest Of Protester On Independence Mall Causes Stir Online
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Video of National Park police arresting a protestor on Independence Mall, last Friday, is causing a stir online and helping the young woman raise money for her defense fund.
The protestor, Emily Yates, is an Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq.
Yates served six years as a public affairs officer in Baghdad, but since her discharge in 2008, she's styled herself a comedian/musician/activist with songs, like this one, that gives advice to protestors.
"When you're peacefully assembling in a public place and the cops come to disperse you with their tear gas and their mace...the urge to fight against them will be quite strong but instead of violence, just sing them this song."
Yates found herself in need of her own advice while protesting U.S. involvement in Syria, when she refused to move from a section of the Mall that had been closed to the public.
The video has been viewed nearly 100,000 times and helped Yates raise more than $12,000, but National Park Service spokesperson Jane Cowley says it doesn't show the whole story.
"She did kick, strike and spit on uniform park rangers," said Cowley.
Yates has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting the rangers. Her lawyer says she was injured and arrested for no reason.
To view the video, click here.
