Antonio French is the Alderman of the 21st Ward in St. Louis. He was arrested during Ferguson protests on August 13, 2014, and released the morning of August 14.
Twitter: @antonionfrench
French has been actively documenting the scene of various protests and vigils from his cellphone. His social media-savvy coverage has provided a front-line glimpse of a rapidly changing situation.
French tweeted his support for the Curfew imposed by Governor Jay Nixon on 8/16.
He was interviewed about his involvement as an elected official by Mother Jones mid-day Friday 8/15.
Because of his coverage, there have been rumors that he was specifically targeted for arrest as part of a rumored Media Blackout.
French at work posting a social media update (source)
From his Twitter profile: Dad, Husband, Alderman of the @21stWard in St. Louis, founder of @North_Campus, Auburn grad and devoted Auburn Football fan, and @WUSTL MBA candidate (Dec '14).
Arrest
French was arrested the night of August 13, 2014 after live-tweeting the events in Ferguson, according to Tef Poe.
Over night on 8/13, crowds gathered outside the Ferguson Police Department to demand his release: http://instagram.com/p/rqiGDBirjB/ https://vine.co/v/MYDXzJeVwFJ
Reportedly, he was being held at the Ferguson Jail on a "24 hour hold": https://twitter.com/ShaneNChrisman/status/499775939006726144
His charge is "unlawful assembly."
Huffington post story about his arrest: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/14/antonio-french_n_5677157.html?1407992424
Another story that includes tweets from the arrest: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/13/ferguson-police-reporters-arrested/
Overnight 8/13 - 8/14
Antonio is still being held. Protesters are chanting "Hell no, we won't go until you free Antonio" (the latest of many protest slogans). Police armored vehicles arrived just after 2am CDT. Vine video. The remaining protesters were then arrested.
At 2:29 CDT "about five" people were arrested.
Morning of 8/14
French was released from the Ferguson city jail just after 7:00 a.m. Thursday, according to an interview with Fox 2 Now. Two colleagues were also arrested with him, Liz Peinado and Meghan Flannery. After French's release they were still being held. Liz Peinado was released as of 10:24 am CDT. At 12:05 pm CDT, French confirmed Flannery was also free.
St Louis Public Radio: French Turns Camera's Eye Toward Ferguson Unrest, 8/14/14
Liz and Meghan were interviewed about their arrest in by the Huffington Post
