On Saturday, Hernando Democratic Party Chair Brian Stewart was arrested and charged with simple battery after an incident at a No Kings protest. Republicans have accused Stewart of striking a disabled veteran, Thomas Michta, in the head with a megaphone. The incident occurred when Stewart responded to a provocation from a local agitator who threw a drink on him and yelled obscenities at community members.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office released an extended video of the incident on Monday afternoon, which shows Stewart and Michta engaging in a heated exchange. Michta poured some of his drink into Stewart’s megaphone, at which point Stewart appeared to strike him once with the megaphone. The Hernando Democratic Party has disputed the circumstances of the altercation, saying they are monitoring the incident and following legal advice.
The incident has sparked a heated debate, with Florida GOP Chair Evan Power calling on Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried to remove Stewart as chair. The Hernando County Democratic Party has condemned violence and is eager for “the true story to be told.” The incident is under investigation.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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