Philly Jesus Arrested, Outrage Ensues Online
A man who is often spotted in Philadelphia dressed as Christ has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent months. On Friday, the 28-year-old was arrested by Philadelphia Police for failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.
A man who is often spotted in Philadelphia dressed as Christ has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent months. His real name is Michael Grant, but locals and individuals who follow him on social media refer to him as Philly Jesus.
On Friday, the 28-year-old was arrested by Philadelphia Police for failure to disperse and disorderly conduct. Just prior to being placed in cuffs and led away by officers, Grant had been skating at a local ice rink.
After doing so, he walked across the street to a park where he was confronted by a police officer about accepting money for photos. Grant used Twitter to explain “People come up to me and ask me to take pics with them and for them..I tell them i Dnt charge but tips are welcome.. cop said u r solicitin.”
Grant is well known in the city for his makeshift performances. He’s previously been seen dancing, rapping and prancing through the streets.
He’s even been selected for interviews and baptized a man right in public. It isn’t just the spreading of Christ’s love however, that gets him noticed.
Police are familiar with him, as he has a history with drugs. Grant claims the officer who arrested him on Friday recognized him from when he was a user.
He plans on fighting the charges. Directly following his arrest, fans and followers used the #FreePhillyJesus hashtag to express their displeasure.
A man who is often spotted in Philadelphia dressed as Christ has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent months. His real name is Michael Grant, but locals and individuals who follow him on social media refer to him as Philly Jesus.
On Friday, the 28-year-old was arrested by Philadelphia Police for failure to disperse and disorderly conduct. Just prior to being placed in cuffs and led away by officers, Grant had been skating at a local ice rink.
After doing so, he walked across the street to a park where he was confronted by a police officer about accepting money for photos. Grant used Twitter to explain “People come up to me and ask me to take pics with them and for them..I tell them i Dnt charge but tips are welcome.. cop said u r solicitin.”
Grant is well known in the city for his makeshift performances. He’s previously been seen dancing, rapping and prancing through the streets.
He’s even been selected for interviews and baptized a man right in public. It isn’t just the spreading of Christ’s love however, that gets him noticed.
Police are familiar with him, as he has a history with drugs. Grant claims the officer who arrested him on Friday recognized him from when he was a user.
He plans on fighting the charges. Directly following his arrest, fans and followers used the #FreePhillyJesus hashtag to express their displeasure.