Pittsburgh activist facing charges after shoving officer, yelling at Mayor Gainey during parade

PITTSBURGH — A local activist was arrested Saturday after allegedly attempting to go after Pittsburgh’s mayor during Juneteenth celebrations.

Multiple sources confirm activist Will Parker, who ran for County Executive, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a Pittsburgh police officer in an effort to confront Mayor Ed Gainey.

Court documents say Parker tried to get Gainey’s attention while the mayor was marching in the Juneteenth parade on Centre Avenue, offering what appeared to be a handshake. Gainey allegedly acknowledged Parker but did not shake his hand and continued walking down the street. Parker then grew upset and began shouting at the mayor and followed him down the road.

Parker allegedly began addressing Gainey as “Mayor Goofy” and screamed that he “was not black.”

An undercover detective stepped in and told Parker he needed to give Mayor Gainey more space and that he was being disorderly. Parker allegedly ignored the detective and continued to be disorderly.

Another detective observed Parker elbowing and shoving people close to him. The detective told Parker not to continue elbowing people and court documents say Parker responded by saying, “I will elbow you too.” Police say Parker then shoved the detective. In response, Parker was knocked to the ground with a leg sweep and handcuffed.

Parker is charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

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