At a protest during a drag brunch targeting children at the Fort Brewery and Pizza in Fort Worth, three antifa members were arrested by Fort Worth police for assaulting officers and protestors.
The drag brunch was advertised as “the perfect event to celebrate a special occasion with your friends, family, or coworkers, or to simply indulge in a fun-filled day out with your loved ones.”
In the past, the cross-dressing men set to be featured at the event have put on sexually explicit performances while wearing little to no clothing.
The event protestors were primarily members of Protect Texas Kids and the New Columbia Movement. Their protest consisted of them praying and holding signs that read “Drag shows aren’t for kids.”
The counter-protestors were members of the antifa-affiliated Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club (JBGC).
All three arrestees, who were identified as members of JBGC, were quickly bailed out by JBGC with funds made from CashApp donations.
Samuel Fowlkes, the first arrestee, is a 20-year-old self-identifying nonbinary. He was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, search, or transport; assaulting a peace officer; evading arrest or detention; and four counts of assault causing bodily injury.
Fowlkes’ bail was paid out at $22,500.
Christopher Guillot, a 33-year-old leader of the JBGC, was arrested for assaulting a peace officer and interfering with public duties during an ambush of Fort Worth police officers.
Guillot’s bail was paid out at $9,500.
Meghan Grant, a 37-year-old who identifies as transgender nonbinary, was also arrested. Grant was arrested for resisting arrest search or transport and interfering with public duties.
Grant’s bail was paid out at $4,000.
Three #Antifa members part of the North Texas cell of the terror-linked John Brown Gun Club were arrested following violent attacks on @fortworthpd & protesters outside a family-friendly drag event on April 23. @EFJBGC is raising cash for their members in jail right now.
Samuel… pic.twitter.com/eRr1UC6Y52
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) April 24, 2023
A social media post by the JBGC says they were “medics” arrested for “trying to aid an injured drag defender.”
According to a statement from FWPD, Fowlkes approached protestors from Protect Texas Kids and the New Columbia Movement, then proceeded to pepper spray them in the face.
FWPD published video footage showing Fowlkes running and swinging his fists as officers attempted to arrest him. Guillot then appeared to assist Fowlkes by swinging his umbrella at the arresting officers, striking one in the face.
Fowlkes and Guillot allegedly continued to resist arrest as officers surrounded them. According to FWPD, Grant then attempted to interfere and got close to the two detainees. Grant was initially shoved back by a Fort Worth police officer in order to prevent interference; however, Grant did not comply and was then arrested.
(1 of 2) Video of Protest Report #230030255 pic.twitter.com/HAXzEGp6xC
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) April 24, 2023
“Protect Texas Kids has been peacefully protesting these disturbing ‘kid-friendly’ drag shows across DFW for the past year. Members of the Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club have shown up to almost all of our protests to harass and intimidate us, often breaking the law. Police have never made arrests at these events until now,” Kelly Neidert, the organization’s president. “We are thankful for the Fort Worth Police Department for arresting these criminals, and we hope that the Tarrant County DA’s office holds them accountable as well.”
Two measures that would ban drag shows targeting children were passed in the Texas Senate earlier this month. Both measures have moved to the Texas House for consideration.
