Flatbush Councilman Arrested At Trump Tower

MIDTOWN, MANHATTAN — Flatbush Councilman Jumaane Williams was arrested outside Trump Tower on Friday after refusing to move from the middle of Fifth Avenue, NY1 reported, an act of civil disobedience he said represented, "the best of America."

"For the past two years we've been bombarded by divisive messages that were unfortunately embraced by so many, and the resulting election showed us the worst of America," Williams said in a statement. "I am a believer in nonviolent resistance, but we have to disrupt a structure that is unjust."

"We must resist from day one," Williams continued. "We're fighting for everyone, even those who don't understand what they've done by voting for Trump. We are going to continue moving forward because we know we are on the right side of history."

"We must stay unified, speak the truth, and take every opportunity to uphold American values including peaceful protest," he continued. "In the coming days there will be many marches and rallies. If you can participate, I applaud you. If you can't, then find your own ways to get informed and to take positive actions for yourself, your community, and your nation."

The council members also highlighted a list of specific objection's to Trump's actions and priorities, including his cabinet nominees, his pledged to void the Affordable Care Act, his approach to immigration, his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States, his support for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and his support for the tactic known as "stop and frisk."

Top image: Jumaane Williams and Carlos Menchaca, center. Photo by Keith Dawson, NYC Council.