A South Carolina man was arrested after he snatched a Confederate battle flag from a protester on live television.
Charleston Black Lives Matter (BLM) leader Muhiyidin d’Baha, 31, was charged with disorderly conduct and malicious injury to real property following Wednesday night’s incident. According to WCSC-TV, who broadcasted the ordeal, d’Baha is seen jumping through police tape to take the flag before being chased down by authorities.
The Post and Courier reported that the incident occurred near Sottile Theater at the College of Charleston where activist Bree Newsome hosted a lecture entitled, “Tearing Hatred from the Sky.” Newsome also made headlines in June 2015 when she was arrested for taking down the Statehouse’s Confederate battle flag. CBS News pointed out that charges against Newsome were later dropped.
NEW VIDEO: Muhiyidin d'Baha jumps protest line at last night's Confederate flag demonstration… MORE: https://t.co/Jmn945OBQX #chs pic.twitter.com/Lt4xjNSD8U
— Charleston CityPaper (@ChasCityPaper) February 23, 2017
Two members of South Carolina’s Secessionist Party were also present outside of the event. One member, who is seen holding the flag, claimed they didn’t appear to encourage hatred.
“It’s a soldier’s flag and South Carolina lost a quarter of our male population, that’s what that flag represents to us. Black, white, Hispanic, all colors served under that flag so to make it a racial thing is disingenuous,” James Bessinger told the station.
D’Baha, whose legal name is Muhiydin Elamin Moye, was charged with disorderly conduct in July for allegedly disrupting a North Charleston Public Safety Committee meeting. The 31-year-old was reportedly seeking a citizens’ review board to supervise the North Charleston Police Department.
A judge set a personal recognizance bond of $2,382 for d’Baha. Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) supposedly crowdfunded his bail.
[Feature Photo: Cannon Detention Center]
