Protesters gathered at a Virginia courthouse Thursday to protest the brutal arrest of Martese Johnson, a black student whose head was gashed open when alcoholic beverage control agents allegedly smashed his face into the ground on March 18.
The bloody arrest set off protests on the University of Virginia campus and around the country, fueling an on-going debate about police abuse of minorities.
Around 150 of Johnson's supporters filled the courthouse at his arraignment on Thursday, many wearing black to show their solidarity.
Very Quick Hearing For #MarteseJohnson Court Date Set For May 28th at 10:30 A.M. @Newsplex More Details at Noon. pic.twitter.com/re4XdcuZ1m— Stephon Dingle CBS19 (@Stephon_Dingle) March 26, 2015
Johnson was charged with obstruction of justice and public intoxication. The 20-year-old University of Virginia student was stopped at a pub last week after his ID was rejected. Johnson reportedly wasn't using a fake ID and was not acting belligerently and it's unclear why agents allegedly threw him to the ground and arrested him.
Martese Johnson's case continued to May 28. Approx 150 supporters pack Charlottesville Ctrm for UVa student @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/eV5iXyzaep— Peggy Fox (@PeggyTV) March 26, 2015
The alleged brutality by the agents, who are not university employees, has been condemned by university officials. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has asked the state police to investigate the arrest. The arresting agents have been put on administrative duty.
The demonstration outside the courthouse was organized by the group UVA Alumni for Change.
Friends of Martese Johnson wearing black in support at court @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/aIAvafyORl— Peggy Fox (@PeggyTV) March 26, 2015
"I think it's really important for alumni--and especially alumni of color in this circumstance--to be supportive and raise awareness for this issue," Pat Collier, a founding member of UVA Alumni for Change, told Mashable.
UVA Alumni for Change has set up an Indiegogo donation page for Johnson. Collier said donations for Johnson's medical and legal fees poured in after his arrest. So far, they've raised around $14,500 toward their $50,000 goal.
Johnson did not enter a plea, and his next hearing will be on May 28 at 10:30 a.m.