Protest over Pittsburgh bar's dress code results in multiple charges

Multiple activists face charges stemming from a protest outside a Downtown Pittsburgh bar last month over a dress code some called racist and transphobic, court records show.

The incident that led to the protest happened June 20 after two men at the 941 Saloon on Liberty Avenue were asked to comply with a dress code that, among other things, prohibited sleeveless shirts, ball caps and baggy pants, according to court records.

The men left, and, later, activist Dena Stanley allegedly went into the bar and told the manager she had 24 hours to change the dress code or “we will shut this business down,” according to the complaint. Employees told police that Stanley also said they would “burn this place to the ground” and “blow out all the windows.”

Representatives from local transgender activist groups could not immediately be reached.

A protest against the dress code happened June 24 and shut down Liberty Avenue for hours. Police said protesters attempted to go into the bar and, when they couldn’t, “duct-taped and tied several pieces of cloth to the front door,” which kept employees and security guards inside from leaving.

Authorities said protesters were “shouting threatening remarks” to those trapped inside. The bar did not open that day after managers learned of the planned protest, according to the complaint.

That incident led to charges against two protesters: Christian Carter, 20, and Shawn Green, who goes by Lorenzo Rulli.

Charges of riot, false imprisonment, possessing an instrument of crime and harassment were filed July 17 against Carter. Green, 24, was charged July 14 with criminal mischief, false imprisonment, harassment and possessing an instrument of crime.

Police said the demonstrators tried to enter the bar through the back entrance. Two protesters, Lavier Pounds and Green, allegedly jumped on top of a security vehicle parked in the alley, according to the complaint. Police allege the group in the alley also prevented employees and security guards from leaving the bar.

According to the complaint, employees called police shortly after 6 p.m. to report that the crowd was chanting, “burn it down.” A manager told police the bar has been unable to reopen since the protest.

Charges of making terroristic threats and riot were filed July 24 against Stanley. Pounds was charged July 17 with harassment, criminal mischief and riot.