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The leader of the Democratic Party in Hernando County, Florida, found himself in legal trouble after allegedly assaulting a man with a bullhorn during a weekend protest called “No Kings.”
Brian Stewart, aged 63, faces charges of simple battery after authorities claim he struck a man on Saturday. According to jail records, he was detained at the Hernando County Jail but was released later that same day.
Around 10:30 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the crossroads of Mariner and Cortez boulevards. Here, Stewart reportedly hit Thomas Michta, a disabled veteran, on the head with a bullhorn amid widespread demonstrations opposing the Trump administration’s policies, as reported by WTSP.
Michta informed officers that the altercation began as he was navigating through the protest and ended up in a heated discussion with Stewart, the news outlet stated.
Hernando County Democratic leader Brian Stewart was taken into custody during the “No Kings” demonstration. (Hernando County Jail)
The man accused Stewart of striking him during the dispute and reported being in pain, with a visible lump on his head, according to an arrest affidavit, WTSP reported.
Deputies spoke to a witness who said he observed a fight during the protest.
According to the affidavit, video footage captured by the witness and reviewed by deputies showed Stewart using a bullhorn to hit the man in the head and push him in the chest.
After reviewing the video, the witness statement and Stewart’s own admissions, deputies said they developed probable cause to believe Stewart intentionally hit the man and caused bodily harm, the affidavit says.
Protesters hold signs and flags near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort during the “No Kings” national day of protest, in Palm Beach, Florida, on May 28, 2026. (Giorgio VIERA / AFP via Getty Images)
Stewart is scheduled to appear in court on April 27.
The Florida Republican Party called for Stewart to be removed as chair over the incident at the protest.
“Violence and political intimidation have no place in our state, and Floridians deserve better than mere silence from Democrat leadership. Nikki Fried must immediately remove Brian Stewart from his position of leadership in the Florida Democrat Party!” Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said in a statement to WTSP.
The Florida Democratic Party and the Hernando County chapter said in separate statements that they “condemn violence.”
Protesters hold signs near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort during the “No Kings”protest, in Palm Beach, Florida, on May 28, 2026. (Giorgio VIERA / AFP via Getty Images)
“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,” the Hernando County Democratic Party said in a statement to the Tampa Bay Times.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Hernando County Democratic Party for additional comment.
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