Mayor I saw PA lawmaker grab found guilty: trial remarks

Wish I had seen this [trial flier] earlier. Made it to the trial though. Michael Bagdes-Canning represented himself. Great showing by supporters. Came from at least 8 counties and 3 states, including PA.

Yesterday he was found guilty of blocking, I assume, the public sidewalk. The sidewalk abuts the restaurant's entrance. On the other hand, the prosecution did not pursue the initial assault-like charge because the defendant had not resisted arrest. However, the prosecution altogether avoided that Officer [sic] Regan (R-York) forced Badges-Canning, the defendant, to the ground.

For more info, see PA lawmaker holds fundraiser as new chair of influential committee below.

The footage was first published by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star but is also available from the senator's hometown newspaper(s). Some of the occupants in the courtroom appeared still and a little disturbed by it. But maybe it was the volume during cross-examination by Bagdes-Canning.

An extended Facebook post on the defendant's flier image for his trial

PA state senator forces 69-year-old protester to the ground outside Harrisburg fundraiser. (Courtesy of @pennslinger)

Extra loud. And very effective.
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To start off, he had a strong opening statement: Two trains representing their respective cause -- which he specifies -- are on coalition course. In their path is his grandchildren. 

A visual.

​A metaphor moreover. 

By comparison, his closing arguments weren't as impactful. I'd say it was the admission of blocking the doorway to the restaurant. Reminder: He represented himself.

​The restaurateur was the prosecutor's opening witness, but I didn't hear the majority of her testimony. I really had to go to the bathroom, next cancel an appointment, then contact my job.

In regard to the defense, the opening witness was eye-opening. As a trainer in non-violent direct action, Gavin's testimony reminded me that there are specific roles and functions for each participant of orderly, organized actions. For me, different roles come to mind i.e. the person who hands out water/snacks; or conducts a head count; or makes the placards.
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​Compared to the defense, the prosecution had a redundant opening/closing argument. During cross-examination, she also stressed her claim that the defendant didn't care about the restaurateur or her employees. * Further, she claimed that the employees were fearful of the protest/protesters outside (which I was part of).

Her objections, then, seemed a little stony during the defendant's testimony, as he was sharing his lifelong motivation preceding that protest in 2023. However, I think that the prosecutor simplifying what it was she wanted the jury to consider won her a favorable verdict.

Ted Glick from the Harrisburg 8-1 was also at the trial, by the way. I got to talk to him about Burglar for Peace, which I've reviewed. It's because of Bagdes-Canning that I learned about Glick or his book. (Also see my review at "Burglar for Peace" below.)

​* None of the protesters attempted to enter the restaurant. And some of the lobbyists and company waiting nearby were laughing and snapping pictures of the protest(ers).

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Related: PA lawmaker holds fundraiser as new chair of influential committee (2023)
Related: "Disrupt the Corrupt Tour" stop in Harrisburg a thumbs up (2023)
​Related: "Gift ban does not see House vote, but advocates say 'there's still time'" (2022) (Republished)
​Related: "Burglar for Peace" (Glick) (2023)
​Related: About Me: Politics (draft) (2022)
Related: The marijuana advocacy one Pa. legalization lawmaker overlooked (2021)
Related: Retirement announced for Philly gun violence activist: my statement (2023)

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