YouTuber Jake Paul charged with trespassing following protests
YouTuber Jake Paul has been charged with trespassing following his involvement in the Black Lives Matter protests.
The 23-year-old allegedly entered and remained inside a closed Arizona mall on May 30, police said in a statement.
In a Scottsdale Police Department press release, it's claimed that Paul remained inside the mall to film the looting and vandalism that took place.
In footage of the looting, Paul can be seen amongst others inside the mall. According to the police press release, he only appears to be filming the events around him.
"Our investigation has revealed that Paul was present after the protest was declared an unlawful assembly and the rioters were ordered to leave the area by the police," the press release read. "Paul also unlawfully entered and remained inside of the mall when it was closed."
Paul took to his Twitter account to clarify that neither he or the group he was with took part in any looting or vandalism during the protests.
“For context, we spent the day doing our part to peaceful protest one of the most horrific injustices our country has ever seen, which led to us being tear-gassed for filming the events and brutality that were unfolding in Arizona," he wrote.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 31, 2020
"We were gassed and forced to keep moving on foot. We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighbourhood we traveled through; we were strictly documenting, not engaging.
“I do not condone violence, looting or breaking the law. However, I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed, and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it, and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way.
He added: "We are all doing the best we can to be helpful and raise awareness; this is not the time to attack each other, it's time to join together and evolve."
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