Jurors acquit border aid volunteer Scott Warren on harboring charges

[DesertRat]

Federal court jurors in Tucson drew a line between harboring and help on Wednesday, when they acquitted border aid worker Scott Warren on felony charges for the assistance he gave to two Central American men last year.

The not guilty verdict came after just 24 hours of deliberation, and it was greeted with cheering, laughter and tears from Warren’s supporters and fellow aid workers, including a contingent of clergy members from across the country.

“The government failed in its attempt to criminalize basic human kindness,” Warren told the crowd outside the downtown courthouse after it was over.

The volunteer for the Tucson-based humanitarian aid group No More Deaths was indicted on two felony harboring charges after authorities raided an Ajo migrant aid station known as the Barn in January 2018.

https://tucson.com/news/local/not-guilty-jurors-acquit-border-aid-volunteer-scott-warren-on/article_f5100171-c1ee-58d2-84b8-9ab85e98ecea.html

[Mike 03]

1. Thank god there's still a role for compassion in America.

[Vogon_Glory]

2. Someone on the jury must have remembered their Biblical principles

Exodus Chapter 22 verse 21 is rather explicit.

There are other verses scattered around here and there in the Old Testament guaranteed to drive right-Wing xenophobes into apoplectic fury.

A little Bible reading without the filter of a filth-spewing right-Wing talking head would do a lot of good.

[asiliveandbreathe]

3. This is welcome news..many people in support of Scott Warren -

for all the right reasons - congrats to them...on another level - this case should never have seen the light of day..it was only done to send a message to those who would help people looking for a better life..a safe harbor for their family...in the name of humanity..Warren wasn't looking for fame or fortune..or the limelight..

Imagine for a minute, not only was Warren charged, two felony harboring charges after authorities raided an Ajo migrant aid station known as the Barn in January 2018 - the first jury couldn't figure it out and a mistrial was called...a hung jury..then a second prosecution …thank goodness we have an acquittal..

I have traveled through Ajo..to Mexico..through the desert, some of the most harsh terrain, and I shudder, thinking about those families, destitute, hungry, thirsty, children, men and women fleeing from what has to be horrible conditions..

While in Mexico, I bought trinkets and paid double in "American dollars"..at many intersections, the Red Cross was ready to receive donations..I gave to ALL of them..if I used a rest room..I paid the cleaning people..double anything I have ever done..I have seen for myself how families will run to your car, if you stop at a convenience store, to wash your windshield, or headlights..they don't want a handout..they just want a hand UP!!! Just a chance....finally, the people of AZ made the right decision, an acquittal of Scott Warren...