TRI In The News
Marine Detained for Facebook Posts
From NBC12
Original article available here
CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT) -
A local marine is detained reportedly for his Facebook posts. YouTube video shows 26-year-old Brandon Raub being taken away in handcuffs last week in Chesterfield. That video has gone viral and sparked debate over everyone's first amendment rights.
After several interviews with the marine, Chesterfield Police say, they still need to evaluate his mental state. Raub is currently being held for a mental evaluation at John Randolph Hospital in Hopewell.
About a dozen people stand outside of John Randolph Hospital, showing support for Brandon Raub. The marine has been detained since Thursday - YouTube video shows Raub being taken away in handcuffs, after police say the marine wasn't cooperating.
Federal investigators say they received a number of complaints about Raub's facebook posts.
Posts from August 14th where Raub says, "The revolution will come for me. Men will be at my door soon to pick me up to lead it" then he adds his home address. And on August 13th, Raub posts "sharpen up my axe; I'm here to sever heads."
"I don't think he meant violence. He meant a revolution of thinking," said Jesse Cash, who served with Raub.
But in the wake of two mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin, we asked Raub's supporters if they think the FBI is doing its due diligence.
"Those mass shootings have nothing to do with anything, and it's their right to say comments on facebook," Cash responded.
That stance is echoed by the Rutherford Institute, which is acting as Raub's legal team. It says, authorities took music lyrics out of context and Raub's detention is quote a "violation of his first amendment rights."
But Chesterfield Police maintain that mental health officials determined he needs further evaluation.
Raub is being held on a temporary detention order. According to Raub's attorneys, that means he can be detained at John Randolph Hospital for up to thirty days.
