'An Unjust Arrest!': Street Preacher Arrested by 'Tyrant' Cop During PA Pride Rally

Damon Atkins walked up to a pride rally in Reading, PA and was arrested in less than one minute after a brief verbal back and forth with a police officer. Atkins was trying to quote a Bible verse when the officer interrupted and placed him in cuffs and eventually arrested him. Atkins was charged with criminal disorderly conduct and a court date is set for mid-June.

CBN Managing Editor Dan Andros spoke with Atkin earlier today.

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[matjj]

Former LE officer in PA here. You have the absolute right to be there on a public sidewalk, protest with a sign, or speak your mind, etc. This is not disorderly conduct whatsoever (you never even left the sidewalk), this is a badge heavy cop that didn't like being challenged.

The charge will likely be dropped, but you need to show up to the hearing with an attorney. Follow up with a civil rights suit. Go after the city, the PD, and the officer individually. Ask for PUNITIVE damages against the officer in the suit, as he acted outside of lawful conduct and violated your civil rights.

Edited to add the following: I am not a licensed attorney and my above comments represent only my opinion as a former LE officer, and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult a licensed PA attorney for proper and specific legal counsel regarding your case.

[anitaschwartz]

All three officers need to be fired. The other two helped and stood by allowing this blatant disregard for constitutional rights and aggression toward a completely compliant and calm citizen.

[MaidenLion]

He's allowed to have his own opinion. The cop should be sued. I'm not even a US citizen and I know that it violates the 1st amendment. God bless this man!

[ruwanganinammuniarachchige]

The police officer was very unprofessional, acted as a street thug. It's a shameful matter to have this kind of offices in the police department.

[gohan]

Sue the police department. We cant let this tyranny continue. If this goes unchecked officers will continue illegal arrest like this

[xmanc]

That Seargant needs to be fired. He broke the law and violated this man’s constitutional rights.

[bellanotte]

🥺 “The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth.” … that’s very, profoundly true.

[desmundfreud]

Best quote: "The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth."

[robertgelley]

Sue this officer. Please please take legal action. If you don't then more of this will occur.

[ironclad]

7:40 look at how the tyrant literally THROWS the back pack. There was absolutely no need to do that at all. He's showing his distain for not only a Christian, but a citizen. Utterly contemptible.

[marcaribe]

I'm not that bold yet. I admire your boldness.

[Babs]

Please sue, Damon. This is a civil rights lawsuit. They need to be held accountable, so this never happens to another person.

[suzyjackson]

The officer is extremely angry!!! Watch how he is chomping at the bit, nashing his teeth. This officer needs to be reprimanded and put on leave until he can get his anger under control ! I would absolutely be frightened to run in to him for any reason. Pray for him!

[saha]

Violation of human rights and freedom of speech towards this young man.

[carolynmckinnon]

What was meant for evil will be turned to good.
Praying for this man who unashamedly spoke the Word.🙏✝️

[jalloor]

I just saw this guy holding a banner saying “read your Bible “ in West Reading. I was so happy to see someone doing street preaching.
God bless him, Jesus will fight for you. Don’t be discouraged in well doing. Continue to reach the lost world.

[parishers]

Let’s make this viral. Justice must be served.

[thelittlebeanbeanbean]

Cop needs to be fired and That was illegal for him to do!!!!

[Petrones]

Former LE officer and I’m embarrassed! This Sergeant acted inappropriately and needs to be reprimanded and demoted! The man has a clear civil suit against department and I hope he retains a good attorney and files!

[antoinevs]

Sue that man, he deserves it. He needs to be held accountable.