Bree Newsome of Charlotte, North Carolina, climbed the pole flying the Confederate flag flying over the state capitol in Charleston, South Carolina.
PROOF that #BlackGirlMagic exists #FreeBree iconic pic.twitter.com/vSUNyBedDv
— blige romanova (@THECAROLDANVERS) June 27, 2015
Her feat — and arrest — were filmed.
"We come against… hatred, oppression, and violence. I come against you in the name of God," Newsome shouted as she climbed the flagpole. "This flag comes down today."
"I'm coming down and I am prepared to be arrested." —@BreeNewsome #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/R9yeqSsVfG
— Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism) June 27, 2015
Newsome was charged with defacing monuments on state Capitol grounds, a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $5,000 and up to three years in prison or both.
Whoever took this picture, this one belongs in the history books. #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/bpu3mH8SUP
— B. Justice (@zefirotorna) June 27, 2015
This is despite the movement to take down the flag that has been rapidly gaining steam and popularity since the recent shooting at a historic black church that took the lives of nine parishioners.
Battle of the Battleflag: States Move to Dissociate from #ConfederateFlag http://t.co/xpeltDjHyP pic.twitter.com/MAuRPP7lEn
— Sputnik US (@SputnikNewsUS) June 24, 2015
Not surprisingly, the Twittersphere has reacted swiftly and angrily and #FreeBree is now trending.
#FREEBREE Drop any charges now! And take down that flag. http://t.co/SsFMXK26Nj pic.twitter.com/QfsdqlL0RY
— Rashad Robinson (@rashadrobinson) June 27, 2015
Already picking up steam, a crowd-funding campaign has already raised significant money for her legal defense.
Protestors Raise $20,000 for Bree Newsome in Three Hours #FreeBree http://t.co/T57Ym8JckS
— deray mckesson (@deray) June 27, 2015
Some on Twitter are convinced Newsome will go down in history.
This could possibly work #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/dDZ15mbIXA
— My Black Matters (@MyBlackMatters) June 27, 2015
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