Following the arrest of a 1776 Restoration Movement truck convoy leader, the movement said it was an “outrage on Americans’ Constitutional right to peacefully protest.”
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested David Riddell, 57, in Washington D.C. Wednesday on a warrant from Maryland. Riddell and several truckers stopped traffic in Gaithersburg on July 4, according to Maryland State Police.
Before the arrest Wednesday, the movement said they began a truck convoy to that nation’s capital. Riddell, who is also known as “Santa”, and fellow protestors parked along the National Mall around 6:30 a.m.
“We are here to peacefully, kindly, and legally protest. We have full intentions of staying legal, and staying peaceful, always peaceful. This is not a civil disobedience type protest yet, we are being completely obedient,” Riddell told the crowd, according to a statement released by the 1776 Restoration Movement.
“Shortly after arriving, we were initially greeted and welcomed by a DC Metro Police. However, at approximately 9:00 am, two Capitol Police officers asked Santa to step away with them to talk, once they had him about 75 feet from the group, they put cuffs on him and took him away,” the movement said in the statement. “At the same time, approximately 100 officers, as well as a tactical unit and an armored vehicle, were onsite.”
The movement alleges that a July 4 video shows a Maryland State Trooper “smiling” and giving Riddell a “solid handshake.” They also said the trooper allowed them to continue their 30 minute protest and then they drove away.
“It was only in the midst of the bustle today that the Movement learned they filed charges the next day. Thus, allowing them to show up and arrest him at will,” the movement said.
The protestors said they will continue making their voices heard. “This is it — we are fighting the good fight. We are still onsite and will remain here, holding the line.”
Riddell was released from jail on Thursday. He is due back in D.C. Superior Court for an extradition hearing on August 31 at 11 a.m.
Photo Credit: Kyle Anderson/@anderson.photojournalism
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