By Trendsetter Tribune 
Members of the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense drew attention last week as they attended an anti-ICE demonstration outside City Hall, openly carrying firearms and dressed in signature black attire. The group said their presence aimed to protect demonstrators following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman killed by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis.
Paul Birdsong, chairman of the chapter, explained that the group’s goal was to prevent violence and ensure public safety during protests. “We are here to make sure people can exercise their rights without being threatened,” Birdsong said. “If federal agents think they can act with impunity, they are wrong.”
The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense describes itself as a modern continuation of the original 1960s organization founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The group historically monitored police activity and ran community programs such as health clinics and educational initiatives. Birdsong emphasized that their approach today blends community support with a readiness to act if civil rights are threatened.
The Minneapolis shooting of Renee Good, which occurred during an immigration enforcement operation, has sparked protests across the country. In Philadelphia, the Panthers’ armed presence signaled their commitment to standing with demonstrators while drawing attention to federal enforcement practices.
“Our purpose is not to escalate conflict, but to make those in power aware that the community is watching,” Birdsong said. “We are here to protect people and uphold the rights guaranteed to them by law.”
The protest underscores how recent enforcement actions have fueled activism in multiple cities, as groups like the Black Panther Party seek to ensure that public demonstrations remain safe while calling for accountability from federal authorities.