June 27--Twitter lit up with posts calling to #FreeBree after a black activist scaled a 30-foot pole in front of the South Carolina Statehouse and pulled down the Confederate battle flag.
Brittany Ann Newsome, who goes by "Bree," was arrested after she plucked the flag from its permanent and legally protected place on the Statehouse grounds.
Social media users flooded the internet with posts supporting her actions.
Some tweets focused on the heated debate surrounding the symbolism of the Confederate flag.
#FreeBree because a symbol of racism SHOULD be taken down
-- DinoLover4Ever666 (@iesrec) June 27, 2015
To clarify, brilliance of #FreeBree isn't the daring flagpole climb or valor facing arrest. Genius lies in forcing the issue of re-raising
-- David Shorr (@David_Shorr) June 27, 2015
Others praised Newsome as an effective activist and called for similar nonviolent defiance.
I don't care what anybody says. The women of this movement are the soldiers of this movement. #FreeBree
-- Kwame Rose (@KwameRose) June 27, 2015
I only hope #FreeBree will inspire others to do the same. Time to stop this once and for all! This is the era of ALL movements: race, gender
-- Agent M on Line 1! (@HighItsDrew) June 27, 2015
A few even requested that the state drop the misdemeanor charges against her.
#FreeBree: Drop charges against the woman who cut down the Confederate flag! http://t.co/XRlDUkzMXc
-- Mari Cordes (@momdogz) June 27, 2015
But not everyone was on team Bree. Critics said she had disrespected a historic symbol and broken the law.
@whot_styles_ You think personal property, anti-censorship, and vandalism laws are unjust? Or do you just think you are special? #FreeBree
-- StopCensorship (@BeanTownBorn) June 27, 2015
She must be arrested. This is a crime. https://t.co/Rssjry4caD
-- WalkerWarrior2016 (@jodikyman) June 27, 2015
Newsome's supporters started a campaign to raise money to cover her bail and legal fees. The Indiegogo crowdfunding site raised nearly $70,000 in seven hours.
I love my people #FreeBree $60K in just a few hours..truly amazing stuff. -- https://t.co/7GqGNAMVXV
-- Desire (@Desire_Renee) June 27, 2015
Newsome posted $300 bond and was released in the midafternoon.
