Local activist charged with protest-related offenses

Rulli, pictured in the upper right was charged on July 14 for his involvement in local protests throughout the Pittsburgh area.

By Gazette 2.0 Staff

-McKees Rocks-

Shawn Green, also known as Lorenzo Rulli, was charged July 14 with several crimes related to his involvement in protests throughout the Pittsburgh region.

The charges, misdemeanors and felonies alike from incidents on several different dates, range from failure to disperse to false imprisonment, harassment and inciting protesters to attack a KDKA-TV cameraman outside of PPG Paints Arena.

That attack, which destroyed cameraman Ian Smith’s camera, was severe enough that Pittsburgh Penguins CEO David Morehouse rushed from the arena to evacuate the injured Smith from the situation. Smith told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review he was dragged to the ground by rioters and struck repeatedly.

The incident occurred near the arena entrance facing Centre Avenue and Smith said he feels the Penguins’ top official likely saved his life.

Green was at the center of several incidents captured on video during a June 28 protest in McKees Rocks, a place he calls home. He is seen setting in motion several incidents with local merchants including the owners of Grimes Furniture and Black Forge Coffee Shop.

At Faithbridge Community Church, Green is seen on video throwing a platter of hotdogs onto the ground and stomping on them as he shouts accusations against the church and chastises protesters for indulging in the church ministry's offered food and water.

A source in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said other possible pending charges pertaining to Green, including property crimes are being looked into.

Green was arrested July 15 and is out on bail. More than $20,000 was raised for him via his supporters using GoFundMe.