ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested three more people on Sunday outside the Pulse memorial, days after a similar arrest drew public attention.
The latest arrests follow the Friday night detention of Sebastian Suarez, who was released the next day. All four individuals had been participating in a symbolic act of chalking the crosswalk near the site of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, an act of remembrance that has grown into a quiet protest.
Blake Simons, the attorney who represented Suarez, confirmed he will also represent the three individuals arrested on Sunday.
“I came out to support the community that I’m a part of,” Simons said. “We should ask our government what is next. Are they going to continue to station a bunch of FHP officers and people watching cameras across the street? Or are they going to deal with the actual issues?”
In recent days, mourners and activists have gathered at the crosswalk to chalk messages in honor of the 49 lives lost in the Pulse shooting. But tensions escalated after FHP painted over the crosswalk more than a week ago and issued warnings about potential arrests.
On Friday, signs were placed near the site stating that no one may “deface the roadway” or “impede traffic,” effectively criminalizing the chalk art.
Simons says the three people arrested Sunday are being held at Orange County Jail and are expected to appear in court on Monday at 11 a.m.
Many in the community say the chalking is a peaceful way to keep the memory of the victims alive, while critics argue law enforcement’s response raises concerns about free expression and government priorities.
