Martese Johnson: UVA Student's Bloody Arrest Triggers Campus Outrage
Outrage is spreading across the University of Virginia grounds over the bloody arrest of a student after he attempted to enter a bar near the college, an incident that is now at the center of a police brutality investigation at the request of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, ABC News reports.
The student, Martese Johnson, 20, participated in a rally Wednesday night with thousands of students in the university’s amphitheater at the center of campus. He was seen wiping away tears and then taking the microphone himself at the emotionally charged gathering.
“I want the remainder of students out there to be able to share their opinions and share their feelings. I beg for you guys, regardless of your personal opinions and the way you feel about subjects, to please respect everyone here,” Johnson said. “We are all part of one community and we deserve to respect each other, especially in times like this. Thank you.”
President Teresa Sullivan did not address the group at the rally but did briefly speak to reporters about the incident that another school official had described as “appalling.”
“My heart went out to him,” Sullivan said. “I thought about how I would feel if I were his mother.”
The state is investigating whether excessive force was used during Johnson’s arrest early Wednesday morning by Alcoholic Beverage Control agents after he was denied entry at a University Avenue bar, officials have said.
The agents approached Johnson and “a determination was made” to arrest him, at which time “the arrested individual sustained injuries,” according to a statement by Alcoholic Beverage Control, which is charged with enforcing alcohol laws in Virginia.
