Last Friday Reverend Billy was arrested again (he was arrested twice in February), this time for reciting the First Amendment in Union Square during New York’s monthly Critical Mass.
The NYPD have arrested and detained Reverend Billy,also known as Bill Talen, claiming his preaching the First Amendment at this month’s Critical Mass of bicyclists constituted “Harassment of a Public Official”. Apprehending Reverend Billy is only the latest in years offrivolous arrests and bogus ticketing by the NYPD at Critical Mass, now with the aid of the recently enacted and highly controversial Parade Laws. These abuses of police power have created an atmosphere of unease at the once family-friendly event.
Here are photos of the arrest and coverage by Gothamist and The Associated Press.
Here Are A Few Related Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Reverend Billy Arrested at Astor Place Starbucks Protest
- Reverend Billy Arrested for Performing Exorcism on Starbucks
- What Would Jesus Buy? Reverend Billy Film at SF Docfest
- Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Visit San Francisco
- Reverend Billy ELECT-A-LUJAH! San Francisco Fundraiser for NYC Mayor Campaign
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Dude looks like the guy.. the preacher on Reno 911. If you’ve seen that episode.
i am disgusted by stories like these. it appears that the terrorists have won after all… goodbye liberty, goodbye freedom.
I love Laughing Squid! Where else will you find a post on Kwikee Marts and Rev. Billy cheek and jowl?
Keep up the good work!
That was real bullshit to arrest him for this!
Don’t those cops have some doughnuts that they need to save?
Well, I’m sure he enjoys the PR spike from all this, so I’m not too worried about that. I’m not sympathetic to “Critical Mass” after the attacks on several motorists in SF recently including a mini van full of kids. At that point they lost any good will they deserved previously.
If it changes from hooliganism back to it’s origonal mission they have a slight chance at regaining their credibility.
mgbrys stop the FUD and cite your sources. Bay Area CM dustups, including the one you mentioned, are started by motorists recklessly accelerating into cyclists. Bicyclists fighting back are “man bites dog” stories in the context of unchallenged motorist-on-cyclist violence that occurs every day, which is precisely why they’ve garnered so much attention. Cyclists need to keep their cool and not attack motorists, even if they get hit, but invoking the “hooliganism” talking point is just manipulative. The sooner cities are safer for bikes, the sooner they will be safer (i.e. cleaner, healthier, more humane) for everyone.