A petition to free Black Lives Matter protestor, Tianna Arata, is gaining momentum.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department arrested Arata after she headed a protest on July 21 against police brutality, which led to the blocking of Highway 101.
She was arrested on charges of participation in a riot, unlawful assembly, conspiracy, unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest, according to a SLOPD press release.
The decision to arrest Arata was made in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office based on Arata’s actions and the actions of the organized group. During Arata’s arrest, a San Luis Obispo Police Officer was reportedly assaulted by an individual, who was also arrested. They claim the officer suffered minor injuries.
“The City of San Luis Obispo supports peaceful protests,” Police Chief Deanna Cantrell said in a statement following her arrest, “but we will not support violent acts and will continue to take action to protect our community.”
The petition accuses the department of trying to suppress Arata’s first amendment right to protest.
“Tianna’s arrest and charges were unjust. Our community should come together to support her and her family. Protect our young black lives movement leaders right to protest and demand that the district attorney not pursue any charges against Tianna Arata. Our young black leaders deserve to be heard, seen, and supported,” part of the petition reads.
At the time of this writing, the petition had garnered more than 198,000 signatures out of the 200,000 requested.
You can sign the petition by clicking this link.
