The NYPD arrested Rev. Billy yesterday morning after he tried to prevent workers from cutting down the leaning elm in the middle of Tompkins Square Park.
Rev. Billy tried to climb the tree, which workers were already removing. Then he stood on top of the Parks Department's cherry picker.
He argued that the tree was healthy enough to preserve, that the Parks Department should get other opinions from arborists.
[Photo by Gary Golembiewski]
Several people watching yelled back that, as sad as it was, it was time for the tree to go, that the tree presented a danger. Others pointed out that the branches that were being cut still looked healthy.
After a short prayer, Rev. Billy came down from the truck, where the waiting officers handcuffed him and led him away.
According to Rev. Billy this morning, the NYPD charged him with Obstruction of Government Administration (he pleaded guilty), and sentenced him to time served — about 14 hours. The NYPD released him a little before midnight.
Previously on EV Grieve:
UGH: Bendy tree in Tompkins Square Park has been condemned
Bendy-lujah
2 comments:
Rev. Billy is the greatest.
"Others pointed out that the branches that were being cut still looked healthy."
Look, he's not dead! His hair and fingernails are still growing!
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