Mitchell Crooks must be defended.
The videographer of the police beating of the 16 year old minor is now in police custody over some alleged "outstanding warrents" from a few years back. He was initially arrested for "jaywalking" which his lawyer says is untrue. The arrest occured outside of the CNN headquarters by undercover police while the whistleblower was waiting for a televised interview upstairs. Mitchell's arrest was also videotaped as he was seen and heard screaming and pleading for someone to "help" him as he was being placed in the police van. He had previously expressed tremendous fear of being apprehended and retaliated against by law-enforcement due to the video he filmed and made public. Apparently, his nightmare seems to be coming true as these words get typed.
Mitchell Crooks, 27, the tourist who videotaped the Inglewood, Ca. police officer (Jeremy Morse) ruffing up the 16 year old from his motel window has been arrested. Of course this takes place as the young man awaits his interview on CNN, in fact, just minutes before the interview was scheduled to begin.
The whistleblower, who's already appeared on various news shows, did a radio show early thursday explaining his view of the story as well as his fears, as the District Attorney (check resources for his name) came on the air and essentially ordered Mitchell to appear before court as he was being given a sopoena(sp) as well as being ordered to provide his home address. These orders were given *on the air*. Crooks immediately hung up the phone.
Hours later, he's now in police custody, no doubt undergoing a very traumatic experience as many "whistleblowers" of police brutality have been made to endure. I'm genuinely fearing for his physical and mental safety.
Activists and concerned people MUST stand up for this brave man and his human and constitutional rights. I hope something is or will soon be underway in order to defend Mitchell Crooks, who should be considered an inspiration to people who witness police abuse, brutality and misconduct.
We must NOT let Mitchell become a martyr, or slip through the cracks of public awareness.
Original: Mitchell Crooks anyone?