The woman who climbed the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July says she was protesting President Trump’s zero tolerance immigration policies.
“We do not put children in cages, period. There is no debating it. Nothing you can say to me will justify putting children in cages,” Patricia Okoumou said outside court on Thursday.
Okoumou, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct. She told the judge she wouldn’t do it again, but believes her message was delivered.
“Only a stupid and unintelligent coward and insecure and I will add a maniac would rip a tender aged child from its mother,” Okoumou said.
She was with the group “Rise and Resist,” which hung a banner at the Statue of Liberty calling for ICE to be abolished. Okoumou climbed the base of the statue, causing Liberty Island to be evacuated of thousands of tourists.
During a rally on Thursday night in Montana, President Trump praised the police officers who arrested Okoumou.
“You saw that clown yesterday on the Statue of Liberty? You see the guys that went up there? I wouldn’t have done it. I would’ve said let’s get some nets and let’s wait ‘til she comes down. Just get some nets,” President Trump said.
Okoumou will be back in court next month.
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