Updated on November 25 at 3:06 p.m.
Marchers took to the streets of Chicago Tuesday night, protesting the death of Laquan McDonald. McDonald, a 17-year-old black man, was shot by Officer Jason Van Dyke in October 2014, but video of his death was only released Tuesday, the same day Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder. In general, the protests seem to have remained calm. Police said there were few scuffles and fewer arrests.
But there’s at least one notable exception: Malcolm London. The 22-year-old Chicagoan was arrested and charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, a felony. (Update: Prosecutors dropped the charge against London Wednesday afternoon.) London isn’t just any marcher, though. He’s a high-profile activist who has been particularly outspoken about McDonald’s death and has called for the firing of Police Commissioner Garry McCarthy. A well-regarded slam poet, he delivered a Ted Talk two years ago.
What happened to lead to London’s arrest? Police say London took a swing at an officer, who was treated at a hospital and released. A Chicago Tribune reporter tweeted a picture that may show the moment, but it’s impossible to tell from the single frame whether London is actually punching anyone:
A few tense moments at the protest last night. This photo by @ChiTribNuccio #chicago https://t.co/2C7MczbkNH pic.twitter.com/T8O1gYSPfu
— Peter Nickeas (@PeterNickeas) November 25, 2015
Meanwhile, fellow activists are furious. Black Lives Matters leaders, including DeRay Mckesson, say that London didn’t punch anyone, and they hope to find video to prove it. They also say the police can’t be trusted to tell the truth about London’s arrest.