- A woman arrested during an April 2020 ReOpenNC COVID shutdown protest is suing the governor, the city of Raleigh, and state and local law enforcement officials. She argues that defendants violated her constitutional rights.
- The complaint summarizes recently released video evidence suggesting that law enforcement officers focused on arresting “agitators,” rather than trying to promote public health during the pandemic.
A High Point woman arrested and charged in connection with an April 2020 ReOpenNC COVID shutdown protest is going to federal court. She’s suing Gov. Roy Cooper, the city of Raleigh, and state and local law enforcement officials for alleged violations of her First and 14th Amendment rights.
“Serving in the role of drum major, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Roy Cooper led a parade of government officials who trampled over the constitutional rights of the North Carolinians they serve,” according to the complaint Monica Ussery filed Friday. “Whether it was shuttering houses of worship, closing schools, or destroying small businesses, in the name of public health, there was seemingly no right beyond the reach of Governor Cooper, state, and local officials’ executive orders and edicts. These officials’ power grabs were remarkable, unprecedented in American history and far-reaching, with the consequences still being felt years later.”
“Plaintiff Monica Faith Ussery experienced firsthand this unprecedented invocation of power. When she saw the most powerful forces in this State locking arms in apparent disregard of our Bill of Rights, she took to the streets to peacefully protest. Because she exercised this fundamental human and constitutional right, Ms. Ussery was arrested and prosecuted, for years,” according to the complaint.
“With her criminal case resolved in her favor, the day of reckoning is here,” wrote Ussery’s lawyers.
Read full article: https://www.carolinajournal.com/high-point-woman-sues-governor-others-over-covid-protest-arrest/
