For the past several months in Philadelphia, marijuana activists have been holding demonstrations dubbed “Smokedown Prohibition’s” on the grounds of Independence Hall, and at these events, hundreds of activists would spark up at 4:20 PM . The response from Philadelphia Police and National Park authorities at the Smokedowns have been minimal. Legally, the Philadelphia Police are not allowed to make arrests on the property because it’s owned by the federal government,but last Saturday, event organizer and local comedian N.A. Poe and libertarian activist Adam Kokesh (who has actually attended all 5 events) were arrested by National Park Guards. They were initially taken into federal custody without any charges, but earlier this afternoon, Poe and Kokesh were charged with resisting arrest, interfering, and assault on a federal officer. However the videos posted below show a different story. We will be following the arrests.
UPDATE: US Attorney’s Office says charges will be filed against NA Poe @thepanichour + @adamkokesh this afternoon. #marijuana #Philly
— Chris Goldstein (@freedomisgreen) May 20, 2013
Adam Kokesh and Na Poe both charged with resisting arrest, interfering, and assault on a federal officer #freepoe
— Kenneth Lipp (@kennethlipp) May 20, 2013
RT @freedomisgreen: NA Poe @thepanic hour + @adamkokesh charged w felonies for #marijuana protest. not released. Detention hearing thurs
— PhillyWeekly (@PhillyWeekly) May 20, 2013
Prosecution claims that Na Poe should continue to be detained because of history of ‘substantial drug use,’ other. His atty was not present
— Kenneth Lipp (@kennethlipp) May 20, 2013
US attorney says Kokesh refused to cooperate, answer questions about his gun ownership, activism, history – thus a threat, deserving no bail
— Kenneth Lipp (@kennethlipp) May 20, 2013
Videos of both arrests
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