Philadelphia, PA — On Friday, some Philadelphia tourists got to witness something they’re not likely to ever see again — Jesus being taken away in handcuffs. Of course we’re speaking of Michael Grant, a man who dresses up as “Philly Jesus” and has now become as much of a fixture in the City of Brotherly Love as the Naked Cowboy is in New York City’s Times Square.
Grant was arrested after getting into a spat with a Philadelphia police officer for accepting money after taking photos with a tourist. However, Grant claims he doesn’t charge for photos but that he does accept donations.
The recovering drug addict claims that the officer recognized him from when he used to abuse drugs.
“I considered myself completely healed and cured when I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ,” Grant said to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Grant takes his role as Philly Jesus seriously and uses it to spread the gospel. One tourist captured him on camera baptizing a friend in the water fountain at Love Park during the “Made In America” music festival.
Granted tweeted about his arrest on Saturday after being held in police custody for a few hours. His Instagram and Twitter followers began calling for police to #FreePhillyJesus. Grant said he quoted scriptures from the Bible while in custody. When he was finally released, he let his social media supporters know by tweeting, “free my dudes.”
Philadelphia court records show that he’s been charges with disorderly conduct and failure to disperse charges.
“I’m going to fight this,” Grant said.