Yesterday when the notification popped up on my phone saying someone had climbed or was attempting to climb the Statue of Liberty protesting family separations at the US- Mexico border, it never crossed my mind that it would be a Black woman. However it is a Black woman, and now she may be in need of help.
Therese Patricia Okoumou, who is said to be a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo and has resided in New York for the past ten years, is being formally charged today for trespassing, disorderly conduct, and interference with governmental administration. Okoumou is currently in federal custody.
The activist is said to be affiliated with the nonprofit organization Rise and Resist, which was founded upon Trump’s presidential win 2016. The group is currently calling on the abolishment of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Rise and Resist also released a statement calling Okoumou “our friend, our comrade, our sister.â€
Okoumou arraignment was scheduled for 2pm EST today. While some who are following the events online are suggesting donating to a GoFundMe, one particular account, #PrisonCulture (Prison Culture) says to hold off until we know more. So far this account has been the most accurate. We’re still awaiting an update.
Okoumou did not reach the top of the monument, but she was able to scale the base of the statue. We will update as we learn more.Â
UPDATE….
Therese Okoumou has been released without bail being needed. However, the three charges are still pending.
