Trump Attacker Charged in Federal Court
Thomas DiMassimo, a 22-year-old Fairborn, Ohio man was charged in federal court March 15, with illegal entry on restricted grounds, disorderly conduct and inducing panic during a Donald J. Trump rally. The attack took place in Vandalia, Ohio on March 12, when DiMassimo rushed the stage where Trump was speaking. The U.S. Secret Service agents jumped on to the stage, forming a circular body shield around the leading Republican presidential contender.
AbcNews reports DiMassimo was charged in federal court in Dayton with a misdemeanor charge that carries up to a one-year prison sentence. The initial hearing is set for March 23.
However, a more serious charge should be considered under the H.R. 347 legislation signed into law by President Obama on March 8, 2012. This bill updated existing protest regulation making it a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Once a candidate has Secret Service protection, it becomes a federal crime to “impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions.” Mr. Trump, as a presidential candidate is under Secret Service protection.
DiMassimo, a student of Wright University in Dayton Ohio, is a progressive leftist activist who is a Bernie Sanders supporter and has been involved with Black Lives Matter, and various left-wing social justice groups.
