On Saturday January 29th, a protest against Trump's unconstitutional, and illegal, Muslim ban was organized for the MSP International Airport. There were approximately 1000 people at the protest. The protest was peaceful, nevertheless the Airport Police decided to break up the protest and order people to leave — in violation of their rights to free speech.
Mike arrived when the police were already breaking up the protest. A police officer ordered Mike to leave the airport on the tram, even though Mike pointed out that he had just arrived, and had done nothing wrong. The officer repeatedly pushed Mike, then arrested and booked him, and issued a criminal misdemeanor citation for failure to comply with a police officer.
Mike refused to plead guilty when he appeared in court because he had done nothing wrong. The prosecutor has retaliated by increasing the charge to gross misdemeanor trespass at a critical public service facility. Mike now faces a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine of up to $3000.
Mike contacted the National Lawyers Guild about legal representation and is now being represented by civil rights attorney Jordan Kushner. This case raises important issues about the right to protest. Can police break up a peaceful protest, then arrest citizens for merely being present at the scene? Protection of free speech under the First Amendment is especially important in the Trump era.
Attorney Jordan Kushner has spent substantial time obtaining and reviewing documents and surveillance video. He has also represented Mike at two court appearances. A great deal of additional time will be needed to present the constitutional issues to the court and eventually have a jury trial. Jordan has taken on the commitment to defend Mike and his constitutional rights commensurate with his ability to pay. Mike has made a downpayment toward his legal defense, but it does not cover the time his attorney has already put into the case, not to mention the additional time it will require. We would like to see that Mike’s attorney gets reasonable compensation for his efforts. Should we raise more money than Mr. Kushner requires, we will donate the remainder to the National Lawyers Guild.
Gail Madden
