Scoop: Philly's Black Lion Party leader arrested on gun charge in Chester
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The leader of a Philadelphia group known for Black Panther-style community patrols was arrested last week after police accused him of carrying a concealed firearm without a license in Chester, per police records obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: The arrest could complicate Paul Birdsong's legal fight with Philadelphia over the revocation of his gun license, which is unfolding as the Department of Justice investigates the city's gun licensing practices.
Driving the news: The Black Lion Party for International Solidarity leader was arrested last week after police say he was carrying two handguns — one of them partially concealed in his pants pocket — while walking through downtown Chester, per a criminal complaint obtained by Axios.
- Birdsong, 39, is charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a third-degree felony, resisting arrest and two counts of disorderly conduct.
- He remained in custody on $75,000 bail as of Wednesday afternoon.
Catch up quick: Philadelphia police revoked Birdsong's gun license earlier this year, citing "good cause," following a Jan. 31 encounter with an officer in North Philadelphia that a department leader said showed he posed "an unreasonable danger to the public."
- Birdsong's attorney is challenging that decision.
- Weeks after Axios first reported on his case, the Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into the lawfulness of Philadelphia police's gun licensing practices.
Between the lines: In Pennsylvania, people generally don't need a license to openly carry a firearm, but they do need one to carry a concealed firearm.
Zoom in: A Chester police officer wrote that he recognized Birdsong while on patrol near the Avenue of the States shortly before 2pm Saturday, per the criminal complaint.
- The officer wrote that police had been gathering "intelligence" on Birdsong following previous encounters and were aware of his pending gun license case in Philadelphia before stopping him.
- According to the complaint, the officer saw one handgun holstered on Birdsong's waist, while another was "inside his right pant pocket with the majority of the firearm being concealed from view."
- The officer called for backup, citing Chester police's previous "hostile" encounters with Birdsong. During the stop, the officer said Birdsong cursed at police, recorded them and said both firearms were in plain view.
What they're saying: Through his group, Birdsong said in a statement posted to social media that he's "innocent of all charges," and that his lawyer had advised him not to comment further on the case.
- His attorney, Lyandra Retacco, declined Axios' request for comment.
- Some of Birdsong's supporters launched an online fundraiser for his bail, writing Wednesday that they'd raised enough money to secure his release.
What's ahead: Birdsong's preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for later this month.