Super Bowl Performer Arrested for Flag Incident

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    A performer involved in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at the Super Bowl in February was arrested following an incident where he showcased a Sudanese flag with the words “Sudan and Free Gaza,” Louisiana State Police confirmed on Thursday. The individual, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, aged 41, from New Orleans, turned himself in to the authorities after an arrest warrant was issued. He faces charges including resisting an officer and disturbing the peace through interrupting a lawful gathering.

    According to the state police, investigations commenced shortly after the February 9 game, held at the Caesars Superdome. It was revealed that Nantambu had deviated from his designated role, thus disrupting the show by running across the field with the flag. He ignored the commands from security and law enforcement to stop. The state’s statement indicated that while Nantambu had authorization to be on the ground during the performance, he was not permitted to conduct any form of demonstration.

    Currently, there are no available jail or court records indicating legal representation for Nantambu. After initially deciding not to press charges, New Orleans police declared no legal action would be taken against him immediately following the game. However, the Louisiana State Police later decided to prosecute.

    The incident initially saw the New Orleans police give chase, but the investigation was soon overseen by the Louisiana State Police, due to the sensitive nature of the performer’s access to a secured area, according to Louisiana State Police Sgt. Katharine Stegall. The National Football League (NFL) expressed gratitude towards the state police for their thoroughness and professionalism. The NFL emphasized the seriousness with which any disruption to the game, including the halftime show, is taken, adding that Nantambu would now face full accountability through the criminal justice system and would be prohibited from attending any future NFL events.

    During the halftime show, Nantambu was among numerous dancers dressed in black. He prominently displayed the flag atop a car, a central piece of Lamar’s performance, before running across the field where he was eventually restrained by security personnel.

    Notably, former President Donald Trump was in attendance at the game, but it remains unclear whether he witnessed the protest. In a different matter, Nantambu’s name surfaces as the victim of a shooting incident on May 17 outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami. Reportedly, former NFL player Antonio Brown is charged with attempted murder for allegedly grabbing a firearm from a security worker at the event and firing twice at Nantambu, one bullet reportedly grazing Nantambu’s neck.