AIDS activist who demanded HHS Secretary RFK Jr restore lifesaving global HIV programs found not guilty of false charges of “assault on a police officer” and “resisting arrest” after civil disobedience disrupting RFK Jr.’s Senate testimony.
Ms Rosalind Casillas, an AIDS activist and case manager for people living with HIV, was found not guilty after less than 45 minutes of deliberation by a Washington DC jury after being falsely charged with “resisting arrest” and “assault on a police officer” following a civil disobedience by 9 AIDS activists May 15 against RFK Jr, Health and Human Services Secretary, in the Senate Dirksen Office Building.
Activists disrupted Kennedy’s testimony before the Senate HELP Committee, holding up signs and chanting “RFK Kills People with AIDS!” They were dragged from the hearing by Capitol Police. Kennedy’s appearance came shortly after he oversaw illegal mass firings of staff responsible for implementing lifesaving global HIV programs. The protests were part of an ongoing campaign started January 24 to win restoration of PEPFAR, the lifesaving bilateral global AIDS assistance program that has been attacked by the Trump Administration and Russ Vought despite enjoying deep bipartisan support and full funding by Congress.
“Casillas never faltered in her confrontation of these truly corrupt charges sought by the United States Attorney for DC,” said Charles King, CEO of Housing Works. “She is a hero to everyone struggling against a regime that is exacting cruel and needless attacks on people with HIV worldwide.”
“These bogus and shameful charges fell apart completely,” said Asia Russell, Health GAP’s Executive Director, who was arrested alongside Casillas and was detained in jail overnight with her on May 14. “Casillas is a leader with the courage to stand up to a man directly responsible for needless suffering and death on a massive scale. Her verdict is a victory for her and for all activists fighting for an end to Trump’s lawless attack on global AIDS programs and on our communities.”
Activists will protest again on World AIDS Day, December 1, in response to Vought and Trump illegally impounding billions in appropriated global HIV treatment and prevention funding, triggering crises in countries across sub Saharan Africa as clinics shutter and programs are cancelled.
“Rosalind Casillas stood firm in the face of injustice, and this case was a clear attempt to silence dissent that challenges deadly policies. Her vindication is not just personal—it’s a victory for every advocate who refuses to be intimidated by political retaliation,” said Anthony Feliciano, Housing Works Vice President. “Housing Works stands proudly with Rosalind, whose courage exemplifies our mission to fight for those most marginalized.”
