In a dramatic turn of events during a weekend protest in Hernando County, Florida, the local Democratic Party chair, Brian Stewart, found himself in legal trouble. Stewart, aged 63, was arrested on allegations of assaulting a fellow protester with a bullhorn during a demonstration labeled “No Kings.”
The protest, one of many nationwide critiquing the policies of the Trump administration, was taking place at the intersection of Mariner and Cortez Boulevards. Around 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a confrontation between Stewart and Thomas Michta, a disabled veteran. According to police documentation, Stewart allegedly struck Michta, leaving him with a noticeable lump on his head and complaints of pain.
WTSP reported that the altercation began as Michta was passing through the crowd of demonstrators. It escalated into a heated argument with Stewart, ultimately leading to the alleged assault. Following the incident, Stewart was charged with simple battery and briefly detained at the Hernando County Jail. He was released later that same day, as confirmed by jail records.
The incident has drawn attention due to Stewart’s prominent role as the chair of the Hernando County Democratic Party. The arrest affidavit highlights the physical evidence and Michta’s account of the event, underscoring the tensions that can arise during politically charged protests.
Hernando County Democratic Chair Brian Stewart was arrested at a “No Kings” protest. (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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