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PETA Activist Arrested for Allegedly Hitting Police Officer During Starbucks Protest
A 13-year-old activist associated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been taken into custody for reportedly striking a law enforcement officer at a demonstration held at a Starbucks location in Florida.
The young individual, referred to only as “Evan” to protect their identity due to being a minor, was participating in a protest against the additional fees imposed for plant-based milk alternatives.
According to a video capturing the altercation, the teenager is seen making physical contact with the police officer. Additionally, Wesley Hucker, the mother’s boyfriend, was also apprehended for trespassing.
In a press release issued by PETA addressing the incident, it was stated that, “Evan and their family were partaking in a peaceful sit-in at the Starbucks on New Independence and Hamlin when instructed to vacate the premises by law enforcement. In a dramatic turn of events, video evidence depicts Evan gathering ‘Starbucks: Stop Vegan Upcharge’ signage in compliance with authorities before being forcibly subdued, restrained face-down on a table, and handcuffed, all while their pregnant mother, Shannon Blair, implored the officers to refrain from physical action, questioning their treatment of her child.”
Responses from Law Enforcement and Starbucks
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office conveyed to Fox Business that the Starbucks management requested the removal of the protesters from the premises after they declined to exit the store, characterized as private property, and expressed a desire to initiate legal proceedings. Deputies reportedly issued loud verbal directives urging the demonstrators to depart, leading to the dispersal of most participants.
Starbucks provided a statement to the media outlet attributing the disruption of operations to the protesters. A company spokesperson articulated, “While we value the right of our patrons to express their viewpoints in a respectful manner, we cannot condone actions that disturb the regular functioning of our establishment.”
Shannon Blair drew a parallel between the arrest of her child and the separation of calves from their mothers in the dairy industry. She lamented, “Witnessing the forcible separation of my child from me, as they were restrained and taken into custody, provided me with a glimpse into the barbarity inflicted upon animals in the dairy sector, where offspring are taken from their distressed mothers for the sake of commercializing their milk. Our family was merely urging Starbucks to cease penalizing customers who opt for a more compassionate alternative. There existed no justification for the ensuing confrontation.”
Following the altercation, Evan has been formally charged with battery and trespassing.
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