Target protester frightens customers

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

Target protesters have been overwhelming the corporate head this week, with transphobic activists making their voices heard across the nation.

Yesterday, on May 2, 2016, one case in particular frightened customers and employees alike.

Lt. Michael Johnston of Bradley, Illinois released a statement regarding the incident, saying, “A subject was confronted outside the store and taken into custody without incident. At this time, there is no indication of any shots fired and no weapon has been recovered. Furthermore, there were no injuries reported to Target Store employees or customers.”

It did not seem so harmless at first, however. 39-year-old Michael L. Merichko created such a disturbance that the possession of a firearm was believable. The statement continues:

“Merichko has been charged with disorderly conduct and transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center. Merichko caused a disturbance inside the store protesting Target Corporation’s alleged policy on transgender bathrooms.

“Merichko’s actions provoked a breach of the peace causing panic among store employees and customers. Investigators have determined that Merichko made no threats of shooting anyone in the store.”

Target recently announced their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and specifically transgender community in response to a mass of anti-trans bathroom bills that are sweeping the nation.

The Gayly – 5/3/2016 @ 5:24 p.m. CDT