*University of Virginia student Martese Johnson will speak on his arrest that has sparked protests across campus and at his former Chicago high school Kenwood Academy. [Watch above.]
Video shows the UVA honor student getting slammed into the ground and bloodied during an arrest by alcoholic beverage control agents. It happened during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside an Irish pub in Charlottesville, Va.
The arresting agency said the uniformed agents approached Johnson after he was refused entry to the licensed establishment. The agent who made the arrest, listed in court records as J. Miller, said in the arrest report that Johnson “was very agitated and belligerent.”
Johnson, a third-year UVA student majoring in Italian and Media studies, was charged with obstruction of justice without force and public swearing or intoxication.
A statement from a group calling itself “Concerned Black Students” said Johnson’s arrest was unprovoked and extreme. Johnson’s lawyer, Daniel P. Watkins, said he needed 10 stitches.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe launched an independent investigation into the agents’ use of force. The agents involved in the incident were put on administrative duties as the investigation continues.
UVA President Theresa Sullivan said she was disturbed by the video.
“I hate to see something bad happen to any of my students, whether it’s on the football field or something like this. My heart went out to him. I thought how I would feel if I was his mother,” Sullivan said.
About 1,000 students protested on campus Wednesday night. The angry crowds called for an end to alleged police brutality.
“Regardless of your personal opinions and the way you feel about subjects, please respect everyone here. We’re all part of one community. We deserve to respect each other especially in times like this,” Johnson said at the rally.
Meanwhile, students at his former school Kenwood Academy are showing support for Johnson in Chicago by distributing fliers with “#JUSTICEFORMARTESE” on them.
“He always put on a smile and was just very nice and kind to everybody,” said Kameron Jones, a Kenwood Academy student.
Sean Shelton, a Kenwood Academy student, says Johnson was his mentor.
“We’re all young black men on our way to greatness, and the people that are supposed to serve and protect us are those taking our lives and hurting us for no apparent reason,” Shelton said.
Watkins said Johnson is devastated by the events. Watkins is preparing a vigorous defense for his client, who he said has no criminal record.
