The man from South Bend, Indiana, was arrested by the FBI and the South Bend Police Department. He was charged by criminal complaint for threats against the police. He used the Internet to promote violence and riots.
The arrest of Isaiah Beavers came in the middle of increased tensions over controversial shootings by the police against black men.
Breaking the Limit between Freedom of Expression and Criminal Activity
This issue increased concerns about the fine line that exists between freedom of expression and criminal activity. Today, social media has grown exponentially and Facebook is very popular among users. Isaiah Beavers said he planned to go to the rally with bottles of gasoline and guns. He announced that he was "ready to riot," according to the documents supplied by the court.
Threats against the Police
Prosecutors said that he promoted violence against the authority by posting an image where there was a police officer in riot gear being shot in the head. This image had the following text: Speak to police in a language they understand.
Prison Sentence of 15 Years
Isaiah Beavers could face a big punishment, he could get a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Prosecutors recommended that a judge could reduce his sentence if he accepts his responsibility for the alleged crimes. The plea agreement acknowledged that Isaiah Beavers did not plan to act on the threats.
He did not intend to commit violence against anyone
At a July hearing before a U.S. District Court magistrate, the lawyer and mother of Isaiah Beavers declared that he did not plan to commit violence against anyone, and that he was just expressing his anger because of the shootings that took place, in which the police was involved.
Prosecutors have to prove that a person intended a statement as a threat to win a conviction
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that if prosecutors want to send someone to jail, they must prove that the accused person intended a statement. If prosecutors are successful, Isaiah Beavers will face a big punishment because he promoted violence through Facebook.
