There is more to the story of two Atlantic County men charged in the riots that followed a peaceful protest in Atlantic City, supporters say.
Na’im Nixon and Tyrone Keyes were among 17 people charged May 31, after an hours-long protest sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a now-fired Minneapolis police officer.
But defenders say video will prove them not guilty.
Many have rallied around Nixon, an Absecon artist who has been part of 10 murals around Atlantic City.
He remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on charges of riot, resisting arrest and violation of an emergency order.
An appeal was filed this week, and a decision is expected within the next week or two, attorney Scott Salmon told BreakingAC.
Video that could clear Nixon has been given to the prosecution, judge and was presented to the appellate division, he said.
Christie Nixon said her son was there for the peaceful protest and was wrongly arrested during the melee that followed, ending up beaten and maced.
“He would never hurt anyone,” the mother told BreakingAC.
“I need him with me,” she said of her son, who she depends upon to help in taking care of her mother, who has health issues. “I miss him.”
Almost $8,600 has been raised toward his medical and legal bills via GoFundMe.
A petition calling for his freedom has 337 signatures.
The GoFundMe indicates some on social media misidentified Na’im Nixon as another man who did fight with police.
That man is Keyes, who was released on home detention earlier this month after a detention hearing before Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury.
His charges include aggravated assault on a police officer, riot and resisting arrest.
But defense attorney Joe Swift also says video will clear his client.
Keyes reacted only after being pepper sprayed while coming to another man’s defense.
“Prior to that, he was doing nothing wrong,” Swift said. “He was simply involved in a peaceful protest.”
The father of six served in the Navy and works as a massage therapist two places, including still-closed Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City.
He is the sole provider for his family, Swift told the judge.
“Mr. Keyes appears to be a member of the community in relative good standing (and) a low risk of further criminality,” DeLury said in releasing Keyes on an ankle bracelet.
