A 78-year-old Maine man faces an assault charge after a viral video captured him allegedly shoving a journalist during a protest in Bangor. The Bangor Police Department identified the man as Ronald Staples of Holden.
The incident occurred at a demonstration challenging President Donald Trump and other political issues. Video posted online shows Joe Sokol, a journalist for The Maine Wire, interviewing protesters. As Sokol walks away from one interview, a man in a white shirt, carrying a sign that read “Healthcare 4 all,” appears to push Sokol and his cameraman.
"Whoa, whoa, that's assault," Sokol is heard saying in the video. He then confronted the man, asking why he acted that way. The man replied, "I didn't see you," while walking away from the journalist.
Another portion of the video shows the same individual appearing to back into Sokol before allegedly elbowing him. Throughout the recorded interactions, the man did not exchange further words with Sokol. A woman was seen following the man and apologizing to Sokol.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the events leading up to or immediately following the alleged assault. Staples is facing one count of assault, according to police.