Protesters gathered outside the Jacksonville Courthouse on Tuesday demanding the charges against the Jax 19 be dropped.
The group was originally arrested in December after they stopped traffic on the Hart Bridge during rush hour traffic protesting what they called “brutality against blacks,” stemming from the shooting of Michael Brown and the death of Eric Garner.
18 of the Jax 19 were arrested and charged with obstructing traffic while the 19th protester, Siddie Friar, is charged with battery on a police officer for allegedly punching an officer in the face during the protests in December.
Seven of the 19 original protesters were outside the courthouse holding a silent protest demanding State Attorney Angela Corey drop the charges.
"I don't feel like the 15 minutes we held up traffic (is cause) to be arrested." said Deanna Bullard, one of the Jax 19. "We're not going to stop having our voices heard, whether it's shutting down a bridge, passing out fliers or organizing more protests."
