While attending the Sanford No Kings Protest on March 28th, I found myself in a situation I never expected. Counter protesters arrived with a megaphone, trying to provoke the crowd with insults and aggressive behavior. Things escalated when one of them violently ripped a sign from someone’s hands—a sign that simply read “Hands Off Women’s Voting Rights.” Despite this, the police did nothing to address his actions. Instead, his wife continued to badger and film other peaceful protesters.

Trying to stand up for what I believe in, I stepped in front of her camera with my own sign. As the crowd gathered, the police claimed that my sign touched her, something I was careful to avoid. Yet, while the man who ripped the sign faced no consequences, I was the one arrested. Now, I am facing legal fees and court costs for a case that should be straightforward, but still requires resources to fight.

I went to protest peacefully at an event that allowed violent creators to attend. I wouldn’t commit violence, I didn’t commit violence, but the law's eyes were shut for me and only open against me. Any support would mean a lot to me as I fight this case and stand up for my rights.