12 gun shop protesters acquitted in Philadelphia
The Associated Press
phillyBurbs.com - 05/26/2009
A Philadelphia judge says a prosecutor didn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that 12 religious activists committed trespass and disorderly conduct during a January protest at a gun store.
Municipal Judge Karen Yvette Simmons gave no other explanation for why she acquitted the protesters. Police testified that five of the defendants refused to leave Colosimo's Gun Center when asked, while others blocked the store entrance and sidewalk outside.
Assistant District Attorney Guy D'Andrea says his office will continue to prosecute people who commit such acts, regardless of their motiviation.
A Philadelphia judge says a prosecutor didn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that 12 religious activists committed trespass and disorderly conduct during a January protest at a gun store.
Municipal Judge Karen Yvette Simmons gave no other explanation for why she acquitted the protesters. Police testified that five of the defendants refused to leave Colosimo's Gun Center when asked, while others blocked the store entrance and sidewalk outside.
Assistant District Attorney Guy D'Andrea says his office will continue to prosecute people who commit such acts, regardless of their motiviation.