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UPDATE: Black Lives Matter Leader DeRay Mckesson Released from Jail

deray-arrested.jpg
AP/Max Becherer

Mckesson was jailed by Baton Rouge police after protesting the death of Alton Sterling.

Black Lives Matter activist DeRay McKesson was released from jail Sunday after his arrest in Baton Rouge, La., during a protest against police brutality toward the African-American community.

McKesson was among 120 protesters arrested this weekend after hundreds gathered in an outcry against the police shootings of Alton Sterling in the Louisiana city and Philando Castile in St. Paul, Minn.

While the openly gay activist and Out 100 honoree has been released, he told The Washington Post that the charge against him--obstructing a highway of commerce--had not been dropped.

This weekend, protesters took to the streets to rally peacefully. They gathered in front of the Baton Rouge Police Department waving signs, while passing cars honked in support.

The protests ended around midnight, which is when Mckesson and others were arrested for walking along the side of the Airline Highway.

NBC reports that the police singled Mckesson out, saying: "You with them loud shoes, I see you on the road. If I get close to you you're going to jail. You better keep walking." Mckesson is nearly always seen wearing red Nikes and a blue vest during protests.

Mckesson was live-streaming the event on Periscope. "The police in Baton Rouge have been truly awful tonight," he said. "They've provoked people. They've chased people just for kicks."

When another protester explained to the police that there was no sidewalk to walk on, Mckesson and others were arrested.

"Don't fight me. Don't fight me," the officer said, according to NBC.

"I'm under arrest, y'all!" Mckesson replied before his video and audio cut out.

Mckesson was then aggresively handcuffed and arrested. Activists fear he will be harmed in jail and social media has since been trending with the hashtag #FreeDeray.

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