Greg Powers was back outside the Westmoreland County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon, one day after police said the activist was robbed by a man while Powers was peacefully protesting.
Powers has been a daily fixture at the spot for months, holding an upside-down American flag and a sign that says “Rise Up.” On Tuesday, Greensburg police said a man in an SUV drove onto the sidewalk, took the flag and pushed Powers before driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
“Someone decided that they were going to break a lot of laws in an attempt to stifle freedom of speech,” Powers said. “It’s an assault on all of our rights and the police took care of it.”
Justin Corey Bowser, 47, who has addresses in Texas and North Apollo, is free on $25,000 unsecured bail in connection with the 4 p.m. incident.
Police who responded reported seeing a silver Jeep Compass with its license plate bent upwards on the courthouse sidewalk. As police cars with their sirens blaring got closer, the SUV drove across traffic, going the wrong way down East Otterman Street on the sidewalk before being stopped by officers, according to court papers.
Police reported surveillance video showed Bowser get out of the SUV after driving it on the sidewalk near Powers. Bowser took the upside-down American flag, argued with the activist, put the flag in his SUV and pushed Powers before driving away.
Powers recorded video of the aftermath of the encounter.
The daily afternoon demonstration is sometimes joined by others in the community, said Powers and Abby Graham-Pardus, founder of WTF Can I Do Westmoreland. Motorists honked Wednesday afternoon while Powers stood silently holding the “Rise Up” sign, an upside-down American flag and a transgender pride flag.
“No one should be afraid to show up, speak out or participate in their community,” Graham-Pardus said. “What happened is unacceptable, and we are calling on local leaders to take this seriously and ensure the safety of everyone exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Powers said Wednesday it was important to continue the daily ritual and stand up for democracy.
“I was taken by surprise, but in the end I was simply being here peacefully,” Powers said. “Someone decided they were going to infringe upon my rights and I simply was not going to be instigated. I’m a nonviolent person. I’m here peacefully, I usually am here silently. I’m simply standing up for our rights and trying to spread some love in our community.”
WTF Can I Do Westmoreland has organized several events in Greensburg in recent months. They have been a peaceful way for participants to exercise their constitutional rights, Graham-Pardus said.
“No one should have to fear being attacked for that,” she said.
Bowser is charged with robbery, theft, disorderly conduct, harassment and traffic violations. He hung up on a reporter when reached by phone Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is set for March 26. His attorney declined to comment.
It’s at least the second time that Greensburg police arrested someone in relation to an incident reported during an event at the same location. A Southwest Greensburg man is facing charges after police said he pushed a protester and a woman was hit with a flagpole during an Oct. 18 No Kings event, according to court papers.
Graham-Pardus said the movement has included people from all political affiliations who are unhappy with the current leadership and direction of the country.
An event related to the nationwide No Kings gatherings is scheduled for March 28 at noon outside the courthouse. About 3,000 people attended the last No Kings event in October.