HERNANDO CO., Fla. — Chair of the Hernando County Democratic Party Brian Stewart has been arrested, according to a statement from the organization.
WATCH: Video of altercation involving Hernando County Democratic Chair Brian Stewart
The Hernando County Democratic Party provided the following statement to Tampa Bay 28 on Monday.
The Hernando County Democratic Party strongly condemns violence. We have been made aware that our Chair, Brian Stewart, was arrested after responding to a provocation from a local agitator who threw a drink on him and yelled obscenities at community members during a protest. We are monitoring the incident.
Tampa Bay 28 has reached out to Hernando County officials for more information.
According to an affidavit received from Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), Stewart struck Thomas Michta, leaving a "visible lump on his head." The incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on March 28 at the intersection of Mariner and Cortez Boulevards in Spring Hill, when Michta was walking through the protest during which Stewart and he began arguing.
HCSO said it was able to obtain video footage of the incident, which showed Stewart using a "bullhorn to strike Michta in the head," then pushing him in the chest with the bullhorn, according to the affidavit.
Stewart was placed under custody and transported to Hernando County Detention Center.
The Republican Party of Florida is now calling on Florida Democratic Chair Nikki Fried to remove Stewart from his position following his arrest.
The Florida GOP claims Stewart was arrested after attacking a disabled military veteran during a "No Kings" protest on Saturday.
This is a developing story. Tampa Bay 28 will provide more details as they become available.
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