19-Year-Old Protester Stomped On A 'Back The Blue' Sign. She Faces Hate Crime Charges

[SharonClark]

13. But was she brandishing a gun or putting her knee on an officer's neck?

. . .
The ACLU of Utah released a statement in response to Gibson’s arrest, saying in part, “We are extremely troubled and disappointed by the recent decision of the Garfield County Attorney’s office to add a hate crime enhancement to charges against an individual alleged to have stomped on a “Back the Blue” sign and ‘crumble[d] it in a destructive manner’ because a police officer alleges that she was ‘smirking in an intimidating manner’ towards him. This kind of charging decision sends an extremely chilling message to the community that the government will seek harsher punishment for people charged with crimes who disagree with police actions.”

On Wednesday, Sheriff James Perkins released a statement, saying Gibson “purposely targeted the officer in a very unpeaceful manner.”
. . .
“The simple fact is, while this officer was doing his duty in a proactive and compassionate manner, he was singled out and attacked by this person because he was a law enforcement officer. We are greatly disturbed by the hatred shown to law enforcement officers for no apparent reason. We are hopeful that this country can mend and heal from the division. Meanwhile, this case will go forward in a professional manner,” Sheriff Perkins concludes.

Gibson was booked into jail on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, with the latter having the ‘Hate Crime’ enhanced allegation.

source: https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/garfield-co-sheriff-defends-decision-to-arrest-woman-for-hate-crime-over-stomping-on-back-the-blue-sign/