Most charges held against 3 protesters accused in 941 Saloon fracas
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Three activists faced preliminary hearings Friday morning for charges related to summer protests targeting a Downtown Pittsburgh bar’s dress code that some called racist and transphobic.
A majority of the charges against Gam Craft, Dena Stanley and Chrissy Carter were held over for trial.
The issues surrounding the 941 Saloon on Liberty Avenue began June 20 when two Black leaders in the LGBTQ+ community were allegedly asked to leave because of what they were wearing. They alleged that others already inside the bar were dressed similarly.
A protest on June 24 targeted the bar, and hundreds of demonstrators spent hours outside, prompting those inside the bar to lock the doors and call police. They allege protesters used duct tape to trap employees and patrons inside.
The most serious charge against 20-year-old Carter — felony riot — was withdrawn by Judge Robert Paul Dzvonick. The judge held over charges of false imprisonment, harassment and possession of an instrument of crime.
Carter’s attorney Giuseppe Rosselli took issue with the fact that police and prosecutors relied on video footage of protesters but did not show it in court.
“The government relied upon, I guess, their belief they did not need to present those videos today,” Rosselli said. “I do not believe they will be able to get away with that or that will be permitted at the Court of Common Pleas.”
He said he’s seen parts of the videos police used to support the charges against Carter. All he saw in those videos, he said, was Carter “exercising his First Amendment rights.”
He also took issue with the false imprisonment charges against Carter.
“While the protest is occurring, at some point the individuals inside locked the doors,” he said. “So this idea that they were efforting to get out and couldn’t, this idea that they were stuck inside — it’s not consistent in thought for me.”
Still, he said, he was pleased to be leaving the hearing without any felony charges.
The judge dropped one of two counts of making terroristic threats against Stanley, who still faces one charge of making threats, conspiracy and riot. She’s alleged to have threatened to “burn this place down” in reference to the 941 Saloon.
Her attorney, Michael Santicola, argued that it was a statement made during the protest and not literal.
“I would argue this was not a real threat,” he said, noting that he also believed Stanley should not be charged with riot just because she was there.
“Certain individuals decided to make it a violent protest,” Santicola said. “Not my client.”
The judge held all charges against Craft over for trial. Craft stifled a cry in the courtroom when the judge gave his decision.
Craft’s attorney, Paul Jubas, did not comment on the outcome following the hearing.
Outside Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Craft addressed the dozens of supporters who gathered to support the three activists facing preliminary hearings.
Craft told everyone to stay in line at any protests they’re at from now on, saying that when they antagonize, “I wind up in jail.”
“I’m not playing this game with you guys anymore,” Craft said. “None of this … is cute anymore – at all. This is serious. If it wasn’t serious to you before, I hope it is now.”
Formal arraignment for all three is scheduled for Nov. 13.