Well it looks like “The Donald” might be in a bit of hot water.
After having one of his scheduled rallies epically shut down by activists in Chicago, the GOP presidential front-runner might face charges from North Carolina law enforcement officials. Cumberland Sheriff’s Office investigators are considering charging Trump with inciting a riot after a Black man was punched by one of his supporters at a rally in Fayetteville last week.
The 78-year-old white Trump supporter was charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after delivering a blow to Rakeem Jones, who was being ejected from the Mar. 9 Trump rally.
Several videos posted to social media showed John McGraw punching Jones, behavior that is typical at Trump’s rallies. Last week, he said that Jones “deserved it.”
While Trump can’t control the actions of his supporters, he can control his mouth.
According to Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Attorney Ronnie Mitchell, during a review of video evidence in the case, Trump can be heard making comments during the removal of several protesters at the event.
“We are concerned about a number of things in that speech, Mitchell said. “We are concerned about activity associated with that speech. That does not mean that we have decided to charge anyone.”
North Carolina law defines a riot as “a public disturbance involving an assemblage of three or more persons which by disorderly and violent conduct, or the imminent threat of disorderly and violent conduct, results in injury or damage to persons or property or creates a clear and present danger of injury or damage to persons or property.”
Inciting a riot is a misdemeanor unless the disturbance causes serious injury or more than $1,500 in property damage, then it becomes a felony.
Dear Mr. Trump, I think it’s safe to say that folks are fed up with your foolery. Instead of calling your detractors thugs, you might want to talk a lil’ bit to some in your base.
Check back for updates.
