A man known around town as "Philly Jesus" was arrested at the Apple Store in Philadelphia after authorities charged that he refused the leave the premises on Monday evening.
According to WPVI-TV, Michael Grant, 29, who earned the "Philly Jesus" nickname because he dresses like a depiction of Jesus Christ and often quotes verses from the Bible, was charged with defiant trespassing and disorderly conduct in the incident.
Authorities were called to the Apple store in central Philadelphia about 6:15 p.m. and found Grant inside. The store manager told police that they had asked Grant to leave and he refused.
WCAU-TV wrote that Grant, who is an alleged former drug addict, spent 12 hours in jail before he was released. He posted a message afterward on Twitter.
"This country was built on freedom of religion and I can go into a public place and be dressed as whoever I want and express myself however I want," Grant told WCAU-TV after he was released.
"The same way an African-American human being in the 1960s would be singled out in a white only store and asked to leave, I 'Philly Jesus' was singled out in the Apple Store because of my visual faith I portray – dressing up like Jesus holding my cross. An Apple employee, who was offended by my appearance and by my cross, asked me to leave because of who I am and what I represent – because of my faith," he continued.
WCAU-TV wrote that Grant's "Philly Jesus" persona has been a popular figure among tourists and the city residents. He has even performed park fountain "baptisms" at the city's famous Love Park downtown.
News of Grant's arrest brought a variety of responses on social media.
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