DeRay McKesson is one of the most recognizable names and faces in the Black Lives Matter movement and is known to travel around the country to visit areas in need of police reform. This past Saturday, McKesson was in Baton Rouge, LA when he was arrested by local authorities while live-streaming the experience.

According to The Washington Post, McKesson was flagged while walking along the shoulder of the highway after demonstrating with residents. In the video, an officer can be heard saying. “You in them loud shoes, if I see you in the road, if I get close to you, you’re going to jail.”

Around 11 p.m., McKesson was arrested by two officers and charged with with obstructing a highway of commerce, according to a police official who declined to be identified. The arrest was one of more than 120 throughout multiple protest sites that saw an uptick in police aggression with protestors.

“They tackled him. One officer hit the top of his body and another officer the bottom,” said Brittany Packnett, a co-founder with McKesson of the group Campaign Zero.

After news and footage of the arrest was released, thousands of social media users called for McKesson’s release with the use of the #freederay hashtag and even going as far as to call the department.

Before being booked, McKesson had time to exchange text messages and call friends to say that he was feeling okay, physically, but had no idea when he’d be released. As of Sunday morning, he’s still in police custody.

 

Photo: Twitter