Lang
11/16/23
Three more suspects have been charged in connection with a protest against an anti-trans speaker on the University of Iowa campus last month.
The student group Young Americans for Freedom brought in Chloe Cole, who transitioned to a male before de-transitioning back to being female, to speak at the Iowa Memorial Union on the night of October 16th. Nearly 150 UI students and others gathered around the IMU to protest Cole’s appearance.
One of the protestors, 45-year-old Tara McGovern Dutcher of Coralville, was arrested earlier this week for allegedly joining others in blocking traffic for about 20 minutes at the intersection of West Jefferson and South Madison Streets.
Three more suspects have now been charged in the case, including 30-year-old Emma Denney and 21-year-old Jean Hornbuckle…both of Iowa City. They were each charged with Disorderly Conduct While Obstructing a Public Way and Interference With Official Acts…the same charges Dutcher is facing. If convicted on both charges, they each face a maximum of 13 months in jail.
21-year-old Vincent Shoppa of Iowa City is charged with Disorderly Conduct and faces a maximum of 30 days in jail, if convicted.