The leader of the Hernando County, Florida, Democratic Party, recently found himself in legal trouble following an incident at a “No Kings” protest. Charged with allegedly striking a man with a bullhorn, he maintains that he was neither the aggressor nor responsible for escalating the situation.
Brian Stewart, 63, faces a misdemeanor charge of simple battery in Florida. After the confrontation in Spring Hill on Saturday, he was taken to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Detention Center and released later the same day, according to official records.
Stewart insists that he is “not a violent person” and claims that the man he allegedly struck, identified as Thomas Michta, a disabled veteran, was actually provoking attendees at the protest to get a response.
“This was a peaceful gathering of community members,” Stewart shared with Fox News Digital.
Brian Stewart, Chair of the Hernando County Democratic Party, arrested at protest (Hernando County Jail)
“Regrettably, one individual disrupted the event by harassing those present, trying to provoke a reaction,” he added. “At no point did I act aggressively. I am not violent, and I did not initiate or intensify any confrontation. I never anticipated finding myself in a situation where I would need to defend myself as I did.”
The incident happened as demonstrators in Hernando County and across the country protested against the Trump administration’s policies.
Deputies responded at around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday to the intersection of Mariner and Cortez boulevards, where Stewart allegedly struck Michta in the head with a bullhorn.
Michta told deputies he was walking through the protest when he and Stewart became involved in an argument. He 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.
According to the affidavit, video footage captured by a witness and reviewed by deputies showed Stewart using a bullhorn to hit the man in the head and push him in the chest.
The incident happened as demonstrators in Hernando County and across the country protested against the Trump administration’s policies. (Giorgio VIERA / AFP via Getty Images)
After reviewing the video, a 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.
Stewart declined to comment further, saying his lawyers advised him not to make additional public statements.
“I have many more thoughts to share, but my lawyers advise that I should defer doing so until after the case has concluded,” Stewart told Fox News Digital. “Out of respect for the legal process and on the advice of counsel, I will not be commenting further on the specifics of the case at this time.”
Stewart is scheduled to appear in court on April 27.
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)
The Florida Democratic Party and the Hernando County chapter said in separate statements earlier this week that they “condemn violence.”
“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.
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.
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