Andrew Gillum, the former Tallahassee mayor and 2018 Florida gubernatorial nominee, was arrested July 2 in Daphne, Alabama, on charges of possession of dangerous drugs (three packages of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia, all found in his possession according to an incident report, along with marijuana according to jail records. He was later released, and police have not shared further details.

As the news spread, many across social media chose grace over judgment. “We all fall but this one hurts. We still love you,” one supporter wrote. Another added: “He, like many others, simply needs help. And that’s OK to acknowledge, too. Empathy is needed here.”

Gillum has spoken openly in recent years about grief, addiction and his healing journey. He has not yet commented publicly. Read more at www.instagram.com.