WARREN (WWJ) - One person has been arraigned following their arrest at a protest during President Biden’s visit to Warren on Thursday.
Maherr Salah Jaeran, 22, of Melvindale, was arrested at the protest for allegedly “blocking the motorcade route, walking in the street and assaulting a female police officer in full uniform,” according to a statement released by the Warren Police Department.
Biden was in Warren to attend a political rally with UAW members.
Approximately 200 people gathered to protest the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
In a video provided by WPD, protesters can be seen holding multiple signs with anti-war messages and signs against the president, including ones reading "Abandon Biden."
An officer is seen in the video speaking to the group before the start of the protest. “Do not go in the street. Do not block the street,” the officer said. He also asked if everyone understood and if anyone had questions.
“The Warren Police Department recognizes, respects, and works to safeguard all of the persons who wish to lawfully exercise their constitutional rights,” the Warren Police Department said in a written statement on Thursday. “Yesterday, however, several demonstrators chose not to follow the direction provided to them by officers.”
Protesters were seen in the video standing in the street with their arms linked. The group is seen walking with officers pushing them back.
Police said one of the protesters, identified later as Jaeron, was arrested because of his alleged escalation.
“Assault on a police officer is a felony by Michigan statute,” according to WPD in their statement released Thursday. “For this reason, this lone demonstrator was placed under arrest when deemed safe to do so without any additional force or injury.”
Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said that there was only one arrest made during the protest.
After reviewing the investigation conducted by WPD, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Jaeran with Police Officer-Assaulting, Resisting, Obstructing, which is a felony that carries a two year sentence.
Jaeron was arraigned on Friday in the 37th District Court, where he pleaded not guilty, according to authorities. Bond was set at $5,000. If bond is posted, Jaeran will be required to wear a GPS tether.
Jaeran’s next court date is Feb. 13.