#TheresePatriciaOkoumou Used Our Fave Michelle O. Quote To Explain Her Protest, And We’re Obsessed
The activist who became a household name when she scaled the Statue of Liberty's pedestal to protest President Trump's immigration policies became even more beloved when she remixed Michelle Obama’s “when they go low” quote.
After her arraignment Thursday, Therese Patricia Okoumou, 44, said her Fourth of July protest was inspired by the former first lady.
The Congolese immigrant spoke to reporters outside the Manhattan federal courthouse
"Michelle Obama — our beloved first lady that I care so much about — said, 'When they go low, we go high,' and I went as high as I could," Okoumou said to cheers.
Okoumou was charged with trespassing, interference with government agency functions, and disorderly conduct for climbing the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July.
The activist pleaded not guilty to all charges in Manhattan Federal Court Thursday afternoon.
"Trump has ripped this country apart. It is depressing. It is outrageous," she said outside the courthouse. "His Draconian zero-tolerance policy on immigration has to go."
After the clip of Okoumou's address went public, people agreed she's the hero we don't deserve
You can watch her entire speech below
Okoumou will return to court on August 3 for a status conference. Each charge she faces carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a fine.
