Remember back in July when Therese Patricia Okoumou climbed the Statue of Liberty in New York City in protest of Donald Trump’s immigration policy? Well Okoumou was found guilty for her actions on Monday.
According to ABC 7, Okoumou was found guilty of three misdemeanor counts of trespassing, interference with government agency functions and disorderly conduct. She faces up to 18 months in federal prison, and will be sentenced on March 5th.
She pled not guilty for the incident, which took place on the Fourth of July, where she climbed onto the statues right foot and refused to come down. Prosecutors argued that she not only put herself in danger, but also rescuers and Liberty Park visitors.
Okoumou, who testified on her own behalf, reportedly said images of children being separated from their parents gave her nightmares.
After court she said, “Instead of treating them with kindness, what we’ve shown them is cages. So if I go in the cage with them, I am on the right side of history. I do not regret my actions on the Fourth of July.”
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement, “Therese Okoumou was convicted in federal court today for a dangerous stunt last July 4th that endangered herself and the NYPD and U.S. Park Police officers who rescued and apprehended her. The act of climbing the base of the Statue of Liberty went well beyond peaceable protest, a right we certainly respect. It was a crime that put people at grave risk. We commend Judge (Gabriel) Gorenstein’s decision to hold Therese Okoumou accountable for her dangerous and reckless conduct.”
Okoumou’s attorney, Michael Avenatti said, The result today was not surprising, but sometimes you have to stand on principle, and history will be incredibly kind to Patricia.”
Roommates, what are your thoughts?
Source: https://abc7ny.com/statue-of-liberty-climber-therese-okoumou-found-guilty/4914883/
