The White House’s post changed the image of the human rights activist’s arrest on social media
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Trump’s administration on Thursday did not support the arrest of a prominent human rights lawyer for his role in an anti-immigrant protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church.
On its official X page, the White House posted a photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong in tears, with her arms behind her back, standing in front of someone wearing a badge around their neck.
But in reality, Levy Armstrong wasn’t crying. The first picture showed her in a neutral way. The image is made in such a way as to make the moment very large.
Certain details in both photos are the same, indicating that they are not just photos taken at different times. For example, the badge worn by the figure behind Levy Armstrong is in the same location, with lights shining on the curtain to the left of Levy Armstrong’s head.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of Levy Armstrong at the X post at 9:28 am ET Thursday.
Less than an hour later, at 10:21 am ET, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted the first photo of Levy Armstrong, also on X:
Homeland Security Investigators and the FBI have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong who played a major role in organizing the Church Riots in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He was charged with a crime under 18 USC 241.
Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the United States -… pic.twitter.com/LHh994fXf3
The White House then posted a modified photo at 10:54 am ET. Students identified the post as fake and attached the original photo to the post:
Jordan Kushner, Levy Armstrong’s attorney, said he was present when his client was arrested and said any videos and photos released by authorities showing his cries were faked.
“It’s sad that the White House would make news about someone who would try to discredit them,” Kushner said. “He was calm and specific and rational. There was no one crying. So this is an extreme insult.”
He added that the video shot by Levy Armstrong’s husband “destroys what they want” and that the video will be released soon.
Amid growing questions about the photo, White House Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr wrote on X Thursday afternoon: “Yet again to the people who feel the need to protect the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in our country I share this message with you: Law enforcement will continue. The memos will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Levy Armstrong and at least two other people were arrested following a protest Sunday at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer works as an instructor.
The Justice Department quickly opened a civil rights investigation after the group disrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the 37-year-old mother of three who was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Neither the White House nor Homeland Security immediately responded to requests for further comment.
