HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Hernando County Democratic Party Chairman Brian Max Stewart was arrested Saturday following a confrontation during a “No Kings” protest in Spring Hill, according to arrest records. The incident occurred near the intersection of Cortez Boulevard and Mariner Boulevard during the demonstration, which drew both anti-Trump protesters and counter-protesters.
Stewart, 57, allegedly struck a disabled U.S. Army veteran in the face during the protest. The victim, who was 56 years old, reported that he was hit after telling Stewart that he was “full of it.” Stewart was charged with misdemeanor battery and released from jail on his own recognizance.
The “No Kings” protest, which was organized in response to a rally by the group “Kings of Florida,” drew a large crowd to the area. Witnesses reported that the atmosphere was tense, with both sides engaging in heated exchanges. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene, but Stewart’s arrest was made after the incident was reported to authorities.
Stewart has been chair of the Hernando County Democratic Party since 2019. The party has not released a statement on the incident. The “No Kings” protest was one of several events held in the area in recent weeks, highlighting the ongoing tensions between different groups in the community.
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
