A video from a Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, spread online Thursday and showed a man punching a Black protester as the protester was being escorted out by security.
According to CNN, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as John, 78. He was questioned and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after the video surfaced. His bond was reportedly set at $2,500 and he is due back in court on April 6. The protester has been identified in reports as Rakeem.
In an interview with Inside Edition, John said the protester “deserved it.” He has not been convicted of a crime.
Reports say John was not detained at the time of the incident and stayed at the event, while the protester was taken to the ground by officers and escorted out without being arrested. The sheriff’s office has opened an internal review to look at how the deputies responded. Trump campaign representatives have denied any involvement in the incident.
The incident came amid a series of confrontations between protesters and supporters at campaign events that week.
Source: CNN
Made to order and shipped to your door.
