Damon Atkins Arrested, Know More About the Arrest
by Srinithi
Updated Jun 07, 2023
Who is Damon Atkins?
Damon Atkins, the central figure in the events that unfolded during the "Pride March and Rally" in Reading, Pennsylvania, has garnered significant attention due to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. While the circumstances surrounding his arrest have been discussed, it is important to delve deeper into who Damon Atkins is and shed light on the individual at the center of this incident.
Though details about Damon Atkins prior to this event are limited, it is worth noting that he has emerged as a vocal participant in public gatherings, expressing his viewpoints and beliefs in various settings. Atkins' presence at the "Pride March and Rally" demonstrated his opposition to the event and his willingness to exercise his right to free speech.
The specific incident that led to Atkins' arrest occurred when he began reciting a portion of a Bible verse and engaged in a verbal exchange with Police Sergeant Bradley T. McClure. This interaction, captured on video, captured the attention of onlookers and subsequently garnered widespread public interest and scrutiny.
According to Atkins, his comments were informed by biblical references, specifically the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus from the Gospel of Luke. His intention was to convey a message related to his beliefs, but the interpretation of his words and the context in which they were spoken became subjects of controversy and differing opinions.
Damon Atkins Arrested
Damon Atkins found himself swiftly apprehended and placed in handcuffs within a mere minute of standing on a public sidewalk. His arrest was triggered by his recitation of a portion of a Bible verse, an act that led to unexpected consequences.
The incident took place on a Saturday morning in front of Reading City Hall on Washington Street. The gathering was the city's inaugural "Pride March and Rally," officially endorsed by Mayor Eddie Moran. Around 10:05 a.m., Atkins arrived at a sidewalk opposite City Hall.
Coincidentally, Matthew Wear, a resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, had been preaching nearby before Atkins' arrival. He had been asked to cease his preaching by a police officer, who later played a pivotal role in Atkins' arrest. Wear, having concluded his preaching, decided to film the ensuing events from across the street.
The video, uploaded by Wear to YouTube, has garnered nearly 2,000 views within a span of two days. It begins with Wear providing narration, recounting his encounter with the police officer, who allegedly confronted him, laid hands on him, and threatened him with arrest for continuing to preach. Wear expresses his discontent with the event taking place, referring to it as a "Satan cesspit" and highlighting the presence of drag queens and children.
Approximately one minute into the video, Atkins can be observed approaching the scene from a distance.
Sergeant Bradley T. McClure, captured on camera, approaches Atkins, leading to an interaction that lasts for roughly 25 seconds. Atkins asserts, "This is public property," while McClure can be heard urging respect for the ongoing event and advising Atkins to allow it to proceed undisturbed.
The events captured in the video raise significant questions about the limits of freedom of speech and the role of public spaces as arenas for expression. Atkins' swift arrest following his quoting of a Bible verse has sparked debates surrounding the rights of individuals to express their beliefs in public settings and the potential clash between differing viewpoints.
Damon Atkins YouTube Video
Damon Atkins and Police Sergeant Bradley T. McClure sheds light on the sequence of events leading to Atkins' arrest. The interaction takes a tumultuous turn as conflicting statements and differing interpretations collide, fueling the escalating tension on the scene.
During their conversation, Atkins shares with McClure that he is respecting the individuals present at the event and makes a remark that provokes further controversy: "You know who's cheering for us - the people that are in hell." Atkins clarifies to The Lancaster Patriot that his statement was referencing the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus found in the Gospel of Luke. In the biblical story, a wealthy man in torment pleads with Father Abraham to send someone to warn his brothers about the place of torment.
Wear's video then focuses on McClure as he walks away from Atkins. At this moment, Atkins attempts to quote a portion of 1 Corinthians 14:33, stating, "God is not the..." However, before he can finish his intended quote, McClure swiftly returns to Atkins and proceeds to handcuff him.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, McClure alleges that Atkins was carrying a sign displaying opposition to the event. The footage from the video confirms that Atkins held a sign with the words "JESUS SAID GO AND SIN NO MORE."
In the affidavit, McClure further asserts that Atkins began yelling derogatory comments towards the attendees of the pride event. McClure claims to have immediately approached Atkins, instructing him that while he was free to stand on his side of the street and hold his sign, he was not allowed to cross the street or disrupt the event by yelling comments intended to cause disruption.
McClure states in the affidavit that Atkins acknowledged his instructions. However, the video does not provide evidence of Atkins explicitly agreeing to remain silent, and Atkins himself contests that he never consented to McClure's instructions in his interview with The Lancaster Patriot.
According to McClure's account in the affidavit, less than a minute after their initial conversation, Atkins resumed yelling derogatory comments towards the event attendees. It is at this moment that the video captures the only audible words from Atkins: "God is not the," just before McClure proceeds to arrest him.
The recorded footage and the conflicting statements presented by both parties underline the complexities of the situation and the differing perspectives surrounding the events leading to Atkins' arrest. The varying interpretations and miscommunications exemplify the challenges that can arise in tense situations, highlighting the importance of clear communication and understanding in the midst of heated exchanges.
As the incident continues to draw attention and spark discussions regarding the boundaries of free speech and public demonstrations, it remains to be seen how this encounter will be resolved and whether further investigation will shed light on the differing accounts provided by Atkins and McClure.
Damon Atkins criminal complaint
Damon Atkins has been charged with "Disorderly Conduct Engage in Fighting." The criminal complaint, sourced from the Reading Police Department, clarifies that the violation of the Disorderly Conduct statute involves the intent to cause substantial public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or the reckless creation of a risk thereof. It states that Atkins, despite having been warned by the police moments earlier, proceeded to yell derogatory comments at an organization that was holding a permitted event.
The Affidavit of Probable Cause, another document presented to The Lancaster Patriot, reveals that Sergeant McClure requested Atkins to be arraigned on a misdemeanor offense of disorderly conduct. This affidavit, which provides additional context to the incident, supports the notion that Atkins' behavior was deemed disruptive and in violation of the disorderly conduct statute.
Within the video footage, as Atkins is being handcuffed, the sounds of cheering can be heard from the crowd attending the pride event. The reactions captured in the audio demonstrate the diverse sentiments present among the event attendees, with some expressing support for Atkins' arrest.
As legal proceedings progress, Atkins will have the opportunity to address the charges leveled against him and present his defense in due course. The outcome of the case will ultimately be determined by the court's evaluation of the evidence and interpretation of the disorderly conduct statute.
The crowd's reaction, as depicted in the video, serves as a reminder of the polarizing nature of such incidents and highlights the differing perspectives that emerge within society. The diverse reactions further contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding freedom of speech, public expression, and the boundaries of acceptable conduct in public gatherings.
As this case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what implications the outcome will have on future discussions surrounding the balance between individual expression and the maintenance of public order.
Damon Atkins Arrested-FAQ
Atkins made remarks referencing biblical passages, including a comment about the people cheering for them being in hell. He also attempted to quote a portion of 1 Corinthians 14:33 but was interrupted and arrested before completing the quote.
Damon Atkins is an individual who gained attention due to his arrest during the "Pride March and Rally" in Reading, Pennsylvania. He expressed opposition to the event and engaged in a verbal exchange with the police, leading to his arrest.
Atkins was arrested for allegedly engaging in disorderly conduct. According to the criminal complaint, he was warned by the police moments before for yelling derogatory comments at the organization hosting the permitted event.
The disorderly conduct charge stemmed from Atkins' alleged intent to cause substantial public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, as well as engaging in threatening or tumultuous behavior, as outlined in the relevant statute. Atkins' actions were seen as disruptive and in violation of the disorderly conduct law.
Atkins' case raises questions about the boundaries of free speech, the interpretation of disorderly conduct laws, and the responsibilities of individuals expressing their beliefs in public settings. It serves as a reminder of the nuanced nature of balancing individual rights and societal expectations.