19 people arrested after Grand Pride Parade blocked by protestors
A group of pro-Palestinian protestors halted the event for about 90 minutes
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Police cleared several pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Grand Pride Parade route after they brought the event to a halt Sunday.
Several demonstrators were taken into custody after multiple dispersal orders given by police were not followed. The parade was halted for approximately 90 minutes.
Police said 19 people were taken into custody. Nine are accused of trespassing, and 10 are accused of both trespassing and resisting arrest. The arrested individuals were from St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Evansville, Indiana, Columbia, Missouri and Alton, Illinois, according to police.
Protestors have expressed their disdain with Boeing, a sponsor of the parade which has deep ties to St. Louis. Protestors were seen holding a sign that reads, “No Pride in genocide, Boeing arms genocide.” Those blocking the street bound themselves with chains inside PVC pipes, which police said were removed with the help of St. Louis firefighters.
The parade started at noon, and protesters began blocking the route around 12:15 p.m., according to First Alert 4 staff at the scene. Police gave the protesters three warnings to disperse before arrests began just before 1:15 p.m.
In a press conference on Monday, protest organizers acknowledged that PrideFest officials had previously talked to them about alternatives other than disrupting the parade, but they felt dismissed during discussions. They said they felt that blocking the parade was necessary to get their message out.
At the press conference, organizers also said there were complaints about treatment at the City Justice Center and that homophobic remarks were made by staff at the facility and the arresting officers.
The parade is the area’s largest and a culmination of Pride Month events, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
Copyright 2024 KMOV. All rights reserved.
