On February 9, 2025, New Orleans hosted Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome.
During the halftime show, something unexpected happened when one of the performers ran across the field waving a flag that said “Sudan and Free Gaza.” Security and police quickly stepped in and stopped the man after he refused to follow their orders.
The man was later identified as 41-year-old Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a local from New Orleans. He was hired as an extra performer for the halftime show and was allowed to be on the field, but he was not allowed to protest or display any messages. After a short investigation, Troop NOLA Troopers and the NFL confirmed what happened, and an arrest warrant was issued.
On June 26, 2025, Nantambu turned himself in with the help of his lawyer. He was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of Resisting an Officer and Disturbing the Peace by Interrupting a Lawful Assembly.
After his arrest, Nantambu released a video statement explaining his actions. He said, “Let me first off by saying Illhamduallah, people are still suffering in places like Sudan and all over the world, and the publicity is around me getting arrested for a protest is more important than the people that are dying constantly. We have some internal problems we need to fix and we have global problems. But I’m going to stand in solidarity with my New Orleans brothers and sisters.”
Nantambu is no stranger to helping others. He is the founder of the Open Book Platform, an organization that brings Muslims together and promotes peace. His work goes far beyond New Orleans. During the holy month of Ramadan, he traveled to Cairo, Egypt, where he helped feed the less fortunate and supported struggling families. His goal has always been to stand with Muslims around the world, not just in his hometown.
He has also worked in some of the toughest places in America, including a recent visit to “O-Block,” one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods. There, he spoke with local residents and tried to encourage them to find peace through faith and community support.
While his Super Bowl protest caused debate, it also sparked important conversations about freedom of speech and global suffering. For Nantambu, it was another step in his ongoing mission to speak up for the voiceless and bring people together through faith and action.
