The "nonbinary" child of Democratic House minority whip Katherine Clark charged with assaulting a cop was released from custody Monday night after posting a $500 cash bail.
Jared Dowell, who goes by the name "Riley," was let out after an arraignment hearing during which the 23-year-old pleaded not guilty to assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, tagging property, and vandalism of a historical marker. Dowell has been ordered to stay away from Boston Common, where the assault occurred.
Dowell was among a group of 20 protesters Saturday night who graffitied Boston Common with phrases like "No Cop City" and "ACAB," which stands for "All Cops Are Bastards." When the officers approached to make arrests, they say Dowell struck one of them in the mouth. Police later found a spray paint can in Dowell’s backpack.
Clark is one of three Democrats who assumed House leadership positions in this Congress. All have expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
"Until we take action against racism and police brutality," Clark said in August 2020 during the height of anti-police protests, "tragedies will continue."
When asked by the Boston Herald on Monday whether she condemned violence against police, Clark said, "I condemn violence against everyone, whether that is against police or against community members as a result of any person or government entity."
Clark was also among a group of performative Democratic representatives including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) who pretended to be arrested during pro-abortion protests outside the Supreme Court last year. She issued two press releases to mark the occasion.