Video: Ted Cruz Struck with Flying Object, Suspect Arrested
A self-described “idiot” was arrested Monday after throwing a can of White Claw hard seltzer at Texas Sen. Ted Cruz during the World Series celebratory parade in downtown Huston.
Throwing an unopened can of White Claw is no crime, of course; in fact, it’s probably the best thing to do with it. But Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, should probably choose a different target next time.
Arcidiacono, who according to his booking photo looks exactly like a guy whose weapon of choice would be a can of White Claw, was detained by a witness and delivered to nearby law enforcement officers.
Local outlet KPRC reported that Arcidiacono had thrown two cans at the senator, but cellphone video taken at the scene appeared to show only one can thrown.
Beer flies at Ted Cruz during Astros World Series Parade pic.twitter.com/lRALgyXCe2
— Alien Truther Wildwest (@wcgroovy) November 7, 2022
Arcidiacono “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can,” to target the senator, according to court documents quoted by KPRC.
Cruz was hit by the full 12-ounce can, but thankfully required no medical attention after the attack.
A witness told police that he had watched Arcidiacono approach a barrier wall and then throw the two cans at the senator.
The same witness apprehended the suspect and turned him over to Houston Police.
Arcidiacono was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, reportedly telling officers as they took him into custody: “I know, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.”
No mention was made regarding whether Arcidiacono was intoxicated at the time of the alleged assault, but he does not appear to have been charged with any alcohol-related offenses. He was released on a $40,000 bond and was expected to make a court appearance on Wednesday.
Houston Police tweeted about the arrest Monday.
HPD made one arrest during today’s victory parade. A male, 33, threw a beer can at U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as the Senator was on a float in the 2400 block of Smith St. The beer can struck the Senator in the chest/neck area. The Senator did not require medical attention.
1/2— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 7, 2022
Nearby HPD officers arrested the male without further incident. He was taken to jail and faces assault charges. We will release the suspect’s name and booking photo here when formal charges are filed. 2/2
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 7, 2022
UPDATE: Booking photo of Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, now charged with aggravated assault in this incident.#hounews https://t.co/njt9hruEIf pic.twitter.com/DzeAwtuzyB
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 8, 2022
Cruz tweeted his appreciating for the fast-moving Houston Police Department officers after the incident Monday evening. He also managed to get a jibe in at his attacker.
As always I’m thankful for the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action.
I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm. https://t.co/CRSfNHckA2
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 7, 2022
Aggravated assault in Texas is charged when the victim of the assault is seriously injured or the alleged attacker “uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault,” according the Texas Penal Code.
A second-degree charge is punishable by 2 to 20 years and up to $10,000 in fines. However, as Cruz would appear to be a “public servant” under the definition of the statute, Arcidiacono could be charged in the first degree, which is punishable by the same fine, but up to 99 years in prison.
In the future, Arcidiacono will hopefully find some other way to dispose of his White Claw — seeing as he doesn’t appear to be able to handle it whether or not he’s opened the cans yet.
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