” A preschool teacher was arrested on camera as soon as she finished a TV interview criticizing Donald Trump, fueling the debate over protest policing and free speech.
Jessica Plichta, 22, said she was the only person arrested among roughly 200 demonstrators at an anti-war protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, hours after Nicolas Maduro was detained in Caracas by the U.S. military.
In the broadcast footage, two officers could be seen approaching from behind as she wrapped her interview with WZZM, the city’s ABC affiliate, then escorted her away as she told them, “I am not resisting arrest.”
WZZM said an officer cited “obstructing a roadway and failure to obey a lawful command,” and that Plichta had been charged with failure to obey a lawful command.
Plichta later told Zeteo: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that as soon as I finished an interview speaking on Venezuela, I was arrested.”
She told the outlet the officers shoved her into the back of a patrol car without fastening her seat belt, then drove a short distance down the street—out of view of cameras and bystanders.
According to Plichta, they stopped again, pulled her out, bent her over the vehicle, patted her down, and took her belongings. She recalled one officer saying they moved her because she was “making a scene.”
She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
“We are so accustomed to, and used to, repression when we speak out on anti-war topics. When we speak out for Venezuela, when we speak out for Palestine, we expect the police to want to shut that down,” she told Zeteo.
“It just shows how much they feel they can get away with things, how easy it is for them to isolate people from the public eye when they’re doing this.”
Plichta said she largely stayed quiet as officers took her to jail, where she said the same questions continued. She was released about three hours later after other protesters gathered to demand she be freed, and was seen punching the air in a video shared on Facebook.
The Grand Rapids Police Department, which is led by Eric Winstrom, disputed her claims in a statement to Zeteo. It said protesters “refused lawful orders” to move to the sidewalk and “began blocking intersections,” adding that supervisors warned participants that they could be arrested if later identified. The mayor of Grand Rapids is David LaGrand, a Democrat.
The incident came to light as Trump, 79, tries to sell the Maduro operation at home, despite signs of public unease.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found about one in three Americans approve of the U.S. strike, while 72 percent worry the U.S. will become too involved.
It is also a small part of a much larger information war that has even seen Trump amplify mislabeled footage on Truth Social to claim mass celebrations after the Maduro capture—a video that fact-checkers traced to an unrelated 2024 protest.
The Daily Beast has contacted the Grand Rapids Police Department for comment. “
socratic-meth on
> She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
So, just full on police state now? Thanks Republicans.
LuinAelin on
The hell is going on over there
Ok_Employer7837 on
You can’t tell me a municipal police force simping for the President is normal.
Gloomy-Inspector-834 on
The Venezuelan government has called for a national mobilization and signaled that it intends to engage in armed resistance. We’re back at square one, just like before Maduro was captured and taken to the U.S. They know Trump won’t send ground troops into the country. While bombing Venezuela is an option, it would likely only push the population to rally behind the current regime. So what’s the alternative, targeting whoever comes after Maduro? That would probably do little to address the underlying problem either.
Anyway, let’s go, Venezuela. Give ’em hell! I support you with the same passion I have for the brave people of Ukraine.
bong_cumblebutt on
You guys over there should’ve voted for the nice lady instead
Accurate_Ad_3648 on
Free speech is under attack. When will the NRA raise up against this fascist administration?
ZumMitte185 on
Everyone was out here yesterday saying this video was AI.
this is not allowed but Installing Turning Point USA indoctrination centers in the public schools is.
hukep on
Freedom of speech, my ass !
cwk415 on
Stamping out dissent is the oldest trick in any fascist regimes playbook.
They will come for the organizers. It’s time to organize in secret.
SouthLifeguard9437 on
Conservatives are gonna have a HARD time in around 3 years. They thrive on victimhood and sympathy.
alpharaptor1 on
If there was an arrestable offense he would have arrested her before finishing the interview. “I’m not resisting” on camera was smart. Also, what roadway was she obstructing? It’s early af, there are no cars and the sidewalks aren’t cleaned.
Uberslaughter on
Meanwhile the “Don’t Tread On Me” crowd is completely silent – fucking cosplaytriots
Mayor-Guenther on
Nazi Germany. The good old Times /s
Yeeaaaarrrgh on
Remember when Russia would arrest people for holding up blank pieces of paper? Good times.
setut on
How’s that freedom going guys? Man I swear, the 21st century is so fucken dystopian.
Arkoa on
Americans voted for this
CountOnBeingAwesome on
I condemn Trump. Come get me.
OkTax3351 on
Every day the USA moves closer and closer to Russia.
The only missing piece is House and Senate democrats mysteriously going missing.
How far will Americans allow this to happen?
pd9 on
Question – does she have a case for a lawsuit here? Seems like it but I just don’t even know any more
PacificTridentGlobel on
America is a Nazi state
RandomXDudeRedZero on
Fucking spineless ghouls. What a joke.
I swear to almighty Arceus. These people didn’t get the nuance of whom the bad guys were in the movies.
spicyketchup2024 on
How the US has fallen!
upnorthguy218 on
We really need to start dispelling the narrative that republicans are “small government” and “pro civil liberties”. They’ve proven time and time again that they want a fascist regime and I would love if democrats would start saying that every chance they get.
wrenbell on
Can she sue for wrongful arrest? Now she has a criminal record for the rest of her life and can’t work with children…all for attending a peaceful protest and giving an interview to a news crew on the sidewalk. I’m incensed. At all of this fascist bullshit. But I’m sure law enforcement is still scratching their head at the growing ACAB sentiment because they’re “not all bad apples,” right? Fucking spare me. 🙄
marlinspike on
lol. We are descending into Banana Republic territory with thin skin insecure leaders and hooded thugs.
Jailed for imaginary mind crimes. What the heck is wrong with this government of little dictators.
Altruistic-Coyote868 on
When are Americans going to actually stand up and do more against this bullshit?
SpockShotFirst on
Time to remind the police that, unlike the Federal Government, state officials CAN be sued for depriving a person of their Constitutional rights
Boundish91 on
So what about that free speech of yours?
MAGAs like to call my country a socialist hell hole. But hey at least you won’t be arrested for protesting here
NewMidwest on
There’s probably a word for this kind of arrest… in Russian.
mgfan2029 on
I couldn’t read the article since it’s behind a paywall. But for those of us who couldn’t read the article was there actually a crime she committed? Or did she just speak badly about trump and there are now bogus charges against her?
budahfurby on
The police think the populus are the enemy and that we should tip tow and now to every word they say
They work for our taxes.
Fucking pigs
Yogi_LV on
And we will watch, and do nothing, because we have bills to pay and shit to do… until we don’t.
ErisHilton88 on
The “don’t tread on me” crowd, everyone
Glad-Process-3268 on
>The Grand Rapids Police Department, which is led by Eric Winstrom, disputed her claims in a statement to Zeteo. It said protesters “refused lawful orders” to move to the sidewalk and “began blocking intersections,” adding that supervisors warned participants that they could be arrested if later identified. The mayor of Grand Rapids is David LaGrand, a Democrat.
So basically, they log anyone in the intersection…
>According to Plichta, they stopped again, pulled her out, bent her over the vehicle, patted her down, and took her belongings. She recalled one officer saying they moved her because she was “making a scene.” She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
… and then pick anyone they want later for xyz charge.
“Ma’am, you’re making a scene!” Yeah, that’s what a protest is, dumbass.
eddie2911 on
Full on police state. This is what you voted for, MAGA.
This is why you’re Nazi’s.
DecentAd3950 on
So what are all you Americans watching this, gonna do about it? Generally speaking Americans have the dictator they deserve and knowingly elected an obvious mentally ill and criminal rapist who talked about ending democracy. A man who can’t open his mouth without lying.
But still your opposition is silent. There are no general strikes. Infrastructure is still intact. The tech billionaires supporting the regime are still considered icons and keep earning money while people – including so-called liberals – invest in their garbage.
It’s just pity the rest of the World has to suffer for American madness.
GPhex on
Considering how high the stakes are, I don’t think people are ready for how much of a shit show the midterms are going to be.
January 6th happened during a transition of power when Trump effectively had no power.
The midterms are going to happen when he has *unchecked* power and an entire system lubed up to work for him.
There is no way Trump and Musk are going to let the democrats retake the house or senate and they’re going to break every law going to ensure it doesn’t happen because they know the consequences are zero because they are in charge of the investigations and they are in charge of all methods of fighting them be it law enforcement, armed forces or the courts right up to the Supreme Court.
It’s over.
Fabulous_Outcome8622 on
Every time you think America has hit rock bottom, a new day starts.
HavingNotAttained on
Beginning to think Americans have no place to mock or criticize places like North Korea.
Fitz911 on
The real shame is that giant part of the population that doesn’t really know why this is bad.
uncle_nightmare on
The fall of democracy shall be paywalled.
EmergencyJacket207 on
People need to start resisting. This is bullshit.
Sea-Bandicoot-5329 on
Is this our America, the land of the free? Americans have Constitutional rights that are not up for grabs and freedom of speech is given to all. Look at the man they put in office- He continues to use his speech for hateful comments and literally breaking the rule of law? American People need to wake up and call a spade a spade.
Oregon_trail5 on
Arrested for blocking a roadway and refusing to move. Then running away, doing an interview, and getting caught. But yes, it was all about suppressing the Venezuelans
47 Comments
From the article:
” A preschool teacher was arrested on camera as soon as she finished a TV interview criticizing Donald Trump, fueling the debate over protest policing and free speech.
Jessica Plichta, 22, said she was the only person arrested among roughly 200 demonstrators at an anti-war protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, hours after Nicolas Maduro was detained in Caracas by the U.S. military.
In the broadcast footage, two officers could be seen approaching from behind as she wrapped her interview with WZZM, the city’s ABC affiliate, then escorted her away as she told them, “I am not resisting arrest.”
WZZM said an officer cited “obstructing a roadway and failure to obey a lawful command,” and that Plichta had been charged with failure to obey a lawful command.
Plichta later told Zeteo: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that as soon as I finished an interview speaking on Venezuela, I was arrested.”
She told the outlet the officers shoved her into the back of a patrol car without fastening her seat belt, then drove a short distance down the street—out of view of cameras and bystanders.
According to Plichta, they stopped again, pulled her out, bent her over the vehicle, patted her down, and took her belongings. She recalled one officer saying they moved her because she was “making a scene.”
She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
“We are so accustomed to, and used to, repression when we speak out on anti-war topics. When we speak out for Venezuela, when we speak out for Palestine, we expect the police to want to shut that down,” she told Zeteo.
“It just shows how much they feel they can get away with things, how easy it is for them to isolate people from the public eye when they’re doing this.”
Plichta said she largely stayed quiet as officers took her to jail, where she said the same questions continued. She was released about three hours later after other protesters gathered to demand she be freed, and was seen punching the air in a video shared on Facebook.
The Grand Rapids Police Department, which is led by Eric Winstrom, disputed her claims in a statement to Zeteo. It said protesters “refused lawful orders” to move to the sidewalk and “began blocking intersections,” adding that supervisors warned participants that they could be arrested if later identified. The mayor of Grand Rapids is David LaGrand, a Democrat.
The incident came to light as Trump, 79, tries to sell the Maduro operation at home, despite signs of public unease.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found about one in three Americans approve of the U.S. strike, while 72 percent worry the U.S. will become too involved.
It is also a small part of a much larger information war that has even seen Trump amplify mislabeled footage on Truth Social to claim mass celebrations after the Maduro capture—a video that fact-checkers traced to an unrelated 2024 protest.
The Daily Beast has contacted the Grand Rapids Police Department for comment. “
> She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
So, just full on police state now? Thanks Republicans.
The hell is going on over there
You can’t tell me a municipal police force simping for the President is normal.
The Venezuelan government has called for a national mobilization and signaled that it intends to engage in armed resistance. We’re back at square one, just like before Maduro was captured and taken to the U.S. They know Trump won’t send ground troops into the country. While bombing Venezuela is an option, it would likely only push the population to rally behind the current regime. So what’s the alternative, targeting whoever comes after Maduro? That would probably do little to address the underlying problem either.
Anyway, let’s go, Venezuela. Give ’em hell! I support you with the same passion I have for the brave people of Ukraine.
You guys over there should’ve voted for the nice lady instead
Free speech is under attack. When will the NRA raise up against this fascist administration?
Everyone was out here yesterday saying this video was AI.
https://zeteo.com/p/trump-protest-venezuela-war-arrest-michigan-grand-rapids
this is not allowed but Installing Turning Point USA indoctrination centers in the public schools is.
Freedom of speech, my ass !
Stamping out dissent is the oldest trick in any fascist regimes playbook.
They will come for the organizers. It’s time to organize in secret.
Conservatives are gonna have a HARD time in around 3 years. They thrive on victimhood and sympathy.
If there was an arrestable offense he would have arrested her before finishing the interview. “I’m not resisting” on camera was smart. Also, what roadway was she obstructing? It’s early af, there are no cars and the sidewalks aren’t cleaned.
Meanwhile the “Don’t Tread On Me” crowd is completely silent – fucking cosplaytriots
Nazi Germany. The good old Times /s
Remember when Russia would arrest people for holding up blank pieces of paper? Good times.
How’s that freedom going guys? Man I swear, the 21st century is so fucken dystopian.
Americans voted for this
I condemn Trump. Come get me.
Every day the USA moves closer and closer to Russia.
The only missing piece is House and Senate democrats mysteriously going missing.
How far will Americans allow this to happen?
Question – does she have a case for a lawsuit here? Seems like it but I just don’t even know any more
America is a Nazi state
Fucking spineless ghouls. What a joke.
I swear to almighty Arceus. These people didn’t get the nuance of whom the bad guys were in the movies.
How the US has fallen!
We really need to start dispelling the narrative that republicans are “small government” and “pro civil liberties”. They’ve proven time and time again that they want a fascist regime and I would love if democrats would start saying that every chance they get.
Can she sue for wrongful arrest? Now she has a criminal record for the rest of her life and can’t work with children…all for attending a peaceful protest and giving an interview to a news crew on the sidewalk. I’m incensed. At all of this fascist bullshit. But I’m sure law enforcement is still scratching their head at the growing ACAB sentiment because they’re “not all bad apples,” right? Fucking spare me. 🙄
lol. We are descending into Banana Republic territory with thin skin insecure leaders and hooded thugs.
Jailed for imaginary mind crimes. What the heck is wrong with this government of little dictators.
When are Americans going to actually stand up and do more against this bullshit?
Time to remind the police that, unlike the Federal Government, state officials CAN be sued for depriving a person of their Constitutional rights
So what about that free speech of yours?
MAGAs like to call my country a socialist hell hole. But hey at least you won’t be arrested for protesting here
There’s probably a word for this kind of arrest… in Russian.
I couldn’t read the article since it’s behind a paywall. But for those of us who couldn’t read the article was there actually a crime she committed? Or did she just speak badly about trump and there are now bogus charges against her?
The police think the populus are the enemy and that we should tip tow and now to every word they say
They work for our taxes.
Fucking pigs
And we will watch, and do nothing, because we have bills to pay and shit to do… until we don’t.
The “don’t tread on me” crowd, everyone
>The Grand Rapids Police Department, which is led by Eric Winstrom, disputed her claims in a statement to Zeteo. It said protesters “refused lawful orders” to move to the sidewalk and “began blocking intersections,” adding that supervisors warned participants that they could be arrested if later identified. The mayor of Grand Rapids is David LaGrand, a Democrat.
So basically, they log anyone in the intersection…
>According to Plichta, they stopped again, pulled her out, bent her over the vehicle, patted her down, and took her belongings. She recalled one officer saying they moved her because she was “making a scene.” She also said officers repeatedly pressed her on whether she was Venezuelan, what her connection to Venezuela was, and why she had attended the protest. Plichta claimed they tried to get her to identify other demonstrators.
… and then pick anyone they want later for xyz charge.
“Ma’am, you’re making a scene!” Yeah, that’s what a protest is, dumbass.
Full on police state. This is what you voted for, MAGA.
This is why you’re Nazi’s.
So what are all you Americans watching this, gonna do about it? Generally speaking Americans have the dictator they deserve and knowingly elected an obvious mentally ill and criminal rapist who talked about ending democracy. A man who can’t open his mouth without lying.
But still your opposition is silent. There are no general strikes. Infrastructure is still intact. The tech billionaires supporting the regime are still considered icons and keep earning money while people – including so-called liberals – invest in their garbage.
It’s just pity the rest of the World has to suffer for American madness.
Considering how high the stakes are, I don’t think people are ready for how much of a shit show the midterms are going to be.
January 6th happened during a transition of power when Trump effectively had no power.
The midterms are going to happen when he has *unchecked* power and an entire system lubed up to work for him.
There is no way Trump and Musk are going to let the democrats retake the house or senate and they’re going to break every law going to ensure it doesn’t happen because they know the consequences are zero because they are in charge of the investigations and they are in charge of all methods of fighting them be it law enforcement, armed forces or the courts right up to the Supreme Court.
It’s over.
Every time you think America has hit rock bottom, a new day starts.
Beginning to think Americans have no place to mock or criticize places like North Korea.
The real shame is that giant part of the population that doesn’t really know why this is bad.
The fall of democracy shall be paywalled.
People need to start resisting. This is bullshit.
Is this our America, the land of the free? Americans have Constitutional rights that are not up for grabs and freedom of speech is given to all. Look at the man they put in office- He continues to use his speech for hateful comments and literally breaking the rule of law? American People need to wake up and call a spade a spade.
Arrested for blocking a roadway and refusing to move. Then running away, doing an interview, and getting caught. But yes, it was all about suppressing the Venezuelans