"If convicted, Thompson could face up to 20 years in prison. Thompson — an active member of Oakland's queer art community, as the founder of an art collective that routinely staged open mic nights and other workshops in the East Bay — said little during the hearing. Appearing shackled in black jeans and a black hoodie, Thompson said only Yes, your honor, when asked if she understood the charges against her."
"Earlier that day, hoards of protesters confronted agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who fired a chemical agent at the crowd and pushed people out of the way with their vehicles to access the island. Around 10 p.m. that night, a U-Haul truck backed up on a bridge leading to the island, toward several armed security personnel who were blocking the road with their guns drawn, according to the U.S. Coast Guard."
"Luckily, Ms. Thompson has had a chance to stabilize over the last couple of weeks and is in a much better place, the attorney, Kaitlyn Fryzek, said during Tuesday's hearing. We do think there will be a solid release plan that we'd be able to put forward to the court."
Bella Thompson, 26, was formally charged with assault on a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Thompson made a brief first appearance in federal court and spoke only to acknowledge understanding the charges. A federal public defender said the incident was borne out of an acute mental health issue and requested further court consideration of detention and release planning. The charge stems from an Oct. 23 incident during unrest around immigration enforcement when a U-Haul moved toward armed security on the bridge to Coast Guard Island.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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