A Webster University student was arrested at a rally in support of LGBTQ issues Feb. 25 in downtown St. Louis.
According to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, Aideen O’Brien is charged with fourth-degree assault and resisting/interfering with arrest. Her court date is April 5.
O’Brien confirmed she is a Webster student, that she identifies as a transgender woman and that she was arrested, but declined further comment at this time.
According to St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR), O’Brien is accused of jumping on the back of an officer who was trying to arrest another protester. A NewNowNext article read there are reports O’Brien was placed in a men’s holding cell.
STLPR and Associated Press (AP) reported three people were arrested at the rally, including O’Brien.
O’Brien said she does not know of any other Webster students arrested at the rally. The others arrested include Edward Pingleton of Columbia and Amelia Maxwell of Wood River, Illinois, according to AP.
According to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, Pingleton is charged with fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest. STLPR reported Maxwell was arrested, issued city summonses for interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest, but was released.
AP reported the arrests came after the rally ended as police tried to clear the street. The Journal will update this story as it develops.
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