The White House posted a digitally altered image of a woman who was arrested on Thursday in a case publicized by Attorney General Pam Bondi, making it appear as if she was crying dramatically, a Guardian analysis of the image has revealed.
The woman in the altered image, Nekima Levi Armstrong, also appears to have darker skin. Armstrong was one of three people arrested Thursday in connection with a demonstration that disrupted church services in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Sunday. Protesters alleged that one of the pastors, David Easterwood, was the acting field director of the St. Paul ICE office. Bondy announced the arrest on social media Thursday morning.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a photo of Armstrong’s arrest at 10:21 a.m. Thursday, less than an hour after Bondy’s announcement. The image shows a law enforcement agent, whose face is blurred, carrying away Armstrong, who appears to be handcuffed. Dressed in all black, Armstrong looks calm in the picture.
A little more than 30 minutes later, the White House posted a photo of Armstrong crying after her arrest. White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt reposted the image. The Guardian’s analysis showed that the image posted by the White House had been altered.
The Guardian compared the White House photo with the Noem photo and found that the law enforcement agents in both photos are lined up exactly, confirming that they are the same image. There are other similarities in the pictures. An unidentified man can be seen at the same location behind the arresting agent. And the arresting agent’s hand appears to be directly behind Armstrong’s back.
Asked whether the image had been digitally altered, the White House responded with a post on Twitter from Deputy Communications Director Kellan Doerr.
“Yet for those who feel the need to defend perpetrators of heinous crimes in our country, I share this message with you: Law enforcement will continue. The memes will continue. Thank you for bringing attention to this matter,” He said.
The White House Poynter reported in October.
Julius Constantine Motley and David McCoy contributed reporting
