A political demonstration in Hernando County, Florida, erupted into a startling incident when the local Democratic Party chairman found himself arrested. Brian Stewart, 63, now faces a simple battery charge following an altercation at a “No Kings” protest in Spring Hill on Saturday.
Stewart maintains his innocence, vehemently denying that he initiated or escalated the confrontation. He asserts he was defending himself and others against a disruptive individual who was intentionally provoking attendees.
The man Stewart is accused of hitting, identified in police reports as Thomas Michta, a disabled veteran, allegedly engaged in harassment at the protest. Stewart claims Michta’s actions were a deliberate attempt to incite a reaction from demonstrators.
Deputies arrived at the intersection of Mariner and Cortez boulevards around 10:30 a.m. to find Michta claiming he’d been struck during an argument with Stewart. Michta reported pain and a visible lump on his head.
However, witness video footage paints a different picture. According to the arrest affidavit, the video clearly shows Stewart using a bullhorn to strike Michta in the head and subsequently pushing him in the chest.
Based on the video evidence, a witness statement, and Stewart’s own statements, deputies determined they had probable cause to believe Stewart intentionally caused bodily harm. The incident occurred amidst nationwide protests against policies enacted by the previous administration.
Stewart, released from the Hernando County Sheriff's Detention Center later on Saturday, has limited his public comments on the advice of his legal counsel. He expressed his surprise at being “accosted” and needing to defend himself.
The Hernando County Democratic Party acknowledged the arrest, stating Stewart was responding to provocation – specifically, being splashed with a drink and subjected to abusive language from a local agitator. They emphasized their condemnation of violence.
The Florida Republican Party swiftly called for Stewart’s removal from his leadership position, denouncing the incident as an act of political intimidation and demanding a response from state Democratic leadership.
Stewart is scheduled to appear in court on April 27, where the full details of the incident will be examined. He remains resolute in his claim of self-defense, awaiting the opportunity to present his case.
