Parkland Dad Climbed D.C. Crane, Hung Banner Critical Of Biden

Miami FL

14 February, 2022

3:23 PM

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To make a statement about gun control in the United States, the father of a Florida school shooting victim climbed a 150-foot construction crane near the White House in Washington, D.C. to hang a banner criticizing President Joe Biden's administration. On Monday morning, the fourth anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Manuel Oliver climbed the crane and unfurled a sign that featured a photo of his son, Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, and criticized Biden for the number of gun-related deaths during his presidency. His son was one of 17 students and staff members who were gunned down in the South Florida shooting on Feb. 14, 2018. "45K people died from gun violence on your watch," Manuel's sign read. There were 44,868 gun deaths in 2021, Biden's first year in office, Newsweek reported. Related Story: Parkland Anniversary: Biden Urges Congress To Take Up Gun Control Police were called to the scene, where at least two people were on the crane, the Associated Press reported. They said later that three people were taken into custody but didn't identify them. Manuel tweeted about his peaceful protest, sharing a video from the crane early Monday morning. "The whole world will listen to Joaquin today. He has a very important message," he said in the video. "I asked for a meeting with Joe Biden a month ago, never got that meeting." He also noted that there was "a lot of police presence" on the ground. The father added, "Happy Valentine's to all of you from Joaquin Oliver." His wife, Patricia Oliver, told WPBF that her husband climbed the crane and hung the banner to represent their son. "We are parents. And we do anything in our power to do the best for them. So, this is him taking care of Joaquin up there. Joaquin can't walk, so Manuel as a dad, he's the one who went up there, to represent Joaquin because Joaquin is the one who is sending the message," Patricia said. The couple is urging Biden to create an office dedicated to battling gun violence, according to reports. In the years since their son's death, Manuel and Patricia have dedicated their lives to gun control advocacy. They co-founded the organization Change the Ref, a group dedicated to vote out politicians who take NRA money, support candidates with gun-safety agendas and empower future leaders. Change the Ref shared images of Oliver being taken into custody on its Facebook page Monday morning. The Venezuelan immigrant and artist "has dedicated himself to a particular brand of not-so-subtle activism," according to his LinkedIn page. He's gone viral for confronting U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and calling out comedian Louis C.K. for mocking survivors of the shooting in a leaked stand-up routine. Oliver has used his art to advocate for stricter gun control policies, working with his team to create 30 works of art — murals, sculptures, paintings and even 3D printed likenesses — depicting his son across the country. This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.