Susp compares nab in stalking of Taylor Swift to ‘Crucifixion’
An obsessed Taylor Swift fan compared his arrest on stalking charges to the “Crucifixion of Jesus Christ” at an arraignment hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court on Saturday that was delayed by his outbursts.
Joshua Christian, 35, showed up to the “Blank Space” singer’s Franklin St. townhouse in Tribeca on June 12 and began barking threats through an intercom, cops said.
Christian, of Brooklyn, allegedly threatened to “hurt her if they weren’t together,” a police source said.
Swift was not home at the time and her security team notified police later that day, law enforcement sources said.
Christian also walked through an unlocked front door of the home March 26, authorities said.
He hung out in the foyer of Swift’s townhouse — which reportedly cost the singer $18 million in 2017 — until Swift’s security guard told him to leave, cops said.
Christian was arrested Friday and charged with stalking and criminal trespass.
He has flown to numerous states to watch Swift perform and at least once showed up at her Tennessee home, Manhattan prosecutors alleged.
Christian has buzzed Swift’s townhouse before, saying, “You’re dead, You know I need to set you free,” an assistant district attorney said.
During the bizarre Manhattan Criminal Court appearance Saturday afternoon, a judge asked Christian if he would like to waive extradition to Florida, where he faces charges of reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident.
The judge — impatient with how long it was taking Christian to confer with his lawyer — pushed the arraignment hearing back.
“Are you guys the latest jokers?” Christian screamed.
“I’m history, or are you real? Prove that you’re real! Prove it!” he hollered as he was pushed out of the courtroom by an officer.
Christian later stood before a judge for a second time, where he said the hearing was “the biggest misjustice since the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.”
His court-appointed attorney requested Christian receive a psychological evaluation — which led the suspect to complain.
“I want to represent myself,” Christian screamed.
“I am a Christian Scientist and I object to being represented by him.”
He was again escorted out of the courtroom by officers.
Court officials said Christian was expected to be brought back before a judge on Saturday night.
Swift, 32, was stalked at her Tribeca home in August 2021 by a Nebraska man, authorities charged.
A security guard discovered Patrick Nissen, 28, in the vestibule of the home and immediately called cops.
Nissen was arrested and pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct — a reduction from the original charge of criminal trespass brought against him.