Hearing under way for Marine veteran detained over Facebook posts

HOPEWELL, Va. (WTVR) – Protestors have gathered outside John Randolph Medical Center after a Marine veteran was detained after allegedly making some questionable Facebook posts. 

A hearing, scheduled for 10 a.m Monday, is under way at the hospital for 26-year-old Brandon Raub. Two family members, along with some attorneys who have lobbied on his behalf, were allowed to attend.

Protestors said they are upset because Raub was was led away from his house in handcuffs around 7:30 p.m. Thursday without ever being charged – and they feel that is a violation of his First Amendment rights. [RELATED: Chesterfield man, Marine veteran, detained over Facebook posts]

A former Marine who served two tours in Afghanistan with Raub told CBS 6 News’ Catie Beck that he is a courageous and patriotic young man with showed no signs of posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the man said he believes a mental evaluation would find Raub sane — and not someone who is capable of a terroristic threat.

Video of Raub’s detention, posted Friday afternoon, has amassed almost 107,000 views on YouTube as of 12:30 p.m. Monday. The video has enlisted video responses as well. A Facebook group has been started in support of Brandon Raub, and currently has over 3,000 members. 

Neither the FBI or the U.S. Secret Service have placed charges against Raub, according the spokespersons with each agency

The FBI does confirm that agents went to the house of the former Marine to talk with him about his Facebook postings. The postings talk about a revolution and that the government was responsible for 9/11. 

RELATED: 

• Chesterfield man, Marine veteran, detained over Facebook posts

CBS 6 has been working this story since Friday night. Watch CBS 6 News starting at 5 p.m. and check back with WTVR.com for the latest updates from Catie Beck.

Hopewell protestors

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