Arrest of 87-Year-Old Veteran During Protest Against Military Parade
Arrest of 87-Year-Old Veteran During Protest Against Military Parade
On Friday, June 13, 2024, approximately 60 individuals, including 87-year-old Air Force and Army veteran John Spitzberg, were arrested at the U.S. Capitol. The arrests stemmed from a protest organized by Veterans for Peace and About Face: Veterans Against the War against a military parade held to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday. The protest occurred half a day before nationwide “No Kings” protests.
According to Capitol Police, the protesters illegally crossed a police line while moving toward the Capitol Rotunda steps. All those arrested face charges including unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line. Spitzberg stated that he crossed the barrier after witnessing what he perceived as officers manhandling fellow protesting veterans. He claimed he intended to help prevent them from being injured. Capitol Police cited a heightened political threat environment as justification for their actions, stating that officers were on high alert.
Video footage of the arrest shows officers removing Spitzberg from his rollator walker and using zip ties to restrain him. The incident was widely shared on social media. Following his arrest, Spitzberg was held for approximately 12 hours before being released. He subsequently returned to his care facility in Gainesville, Florida, where residents had expressed concern for his well-being.
Spitzberg, in interviews following his release, expressed his criticism of the military parade, referring to it as “a colossal slap in the face of the American people,” and stating his belief that President Trump views himself as “more than the people’s president.” He indicated his intention to remain active in activism, stating, “I plan to be as active as I physically can be… whatever they need, I’ll do the best I can.”
Reports indicate that approximately 75 veterans participated in the protest. One account describes an elderly veteran, presumed to be Spitzberg, being returned to the protest group by officers, only to cross the line again at his own request, leading to his arrest. Following his release, Spitzberg’s response to being asked how he felt about his arrest at 87 years old was, “I’m just beginning, my friend. I’m gonna just get a little sleep, and I’m starting again.”
Spitzberg’s past activism includes participation in Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011, involvement in the Standing Rock protests in 2016, and aid to Ukrainian refugees in Romania. He also spent over two years in Vietnam assisting those affected by Agent Orange and worked as a teacher and paramedic. He has stated that his arrest is not the central issue, but rather President Trump’s actions and the cost of the military parade are what should be the focus of attention.
The “No Kings” protests, which occurred the day following the arrests, drew an estimated 4 to 6 million participants across the United States. Spitzberg’s arrest, and his subsequent statements, garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing support for his actions.
As of the publication of this report, John Spitzberg remains involved in activism and has indicated his intention to continue participating in future protests.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.