An 87-year-old veteran who was arrested outside the Capitol building during a rally against the military parade on June 14 has been released. After spending more than 24 hours in jail in Maryland’s capital, the veteran has made it clear that he will not back down in his fight against the Trump administration. In a Reddit post, the elderly man was seen slowly exiting the Department of Justice building with his walker, surrounded by three other activists. He was still wearing his protest shirt with the words “Veterans Against Fascism” plainly emblazoned on it.
The person recording the clip asked him, “How does it feel to get arrested at 87?” In response, the former military man said, “I’m just beginning. I’m just beginning, my friend.” The man reiterated that he was not backing down. “I’m gonna just get a little sleep. But I’m starting again,” he vowed.
The camera panned to show other demonstrators on the side of the road, with what appeared to be a tarpaulin on the ground. The recorder joked about preparing a bed for the 87-year-old, and another person offered him a ride.
The veteran’s detention went viral after a video showed cops mistreating him during the protest. According to The Nerd Stash, the former military officer was apprehended when several demonstrators broke through a police barrier and made their way up the Capitol stairs.
The officers took away his walker, forcing him to stand, and then bound his hands to his back with a zip tie. While the officers mistreated the elderly citizen, people in the audience cried, “Put his hands in front of him.” However, the authorities rejected their requests. As one of the officers led the individual, it was clear he was struggling to walk.
The Internet Sings Veteran’s Praises
Social media users reacted to news of the elderly man’s release, with many singing his praises. One netizen commented, “Patriot has become a dirty word lately, but that is exactly what this man is.”
Other Redditors gushed about the man’s courage. “Brave and badass,” praised one supporter, and the second person added, “A true hero.”
A third netizen lengthily penned, “He’s still standing. Hitler ain’t. Massive energy, this hero. Every LEO who even looked at him wrong, let alone the traitorous wretches who arrested him, owes him their lives and sincere apologies.”
The 87-year-old is the first to be released of the more than 50 veterans arrested that day. As of now, it is unclear whether the others have been disclosed.