Posted on 04/04/2019 8:36:35 PM PDT by yesthatjallen
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids man who admitted to tossing water balloons into a crowd of President Donald Trump supporters pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge and says he might do it again.
“Actions are going to be louder than words these days,’’ a grinning Robert Dale Truax Jr. said after his appearance in Grand Rapids District Court. “Try to get three water balloons out this time. I only got out two.’’
Truax pitched the two water balloons into a sea of people gathered outside Van Andel Arena on March 28 as Trump addressed supporters inside. No injuries were reported.
“Even though in this gentleman’s mind it might seem as if it was harmless, it certainly can get someone injured,’’ Grand Rapids Police Sgt. Cathy Williams said. “And we’re not going to allow that to happen.’’
Truax had the entire incident recorded. He posted it to his YouTube page under the heading: Getting arrested at the Trump rally.’’
The profanity-laced video makes it clear that Truax does not care for Trump.
“Just got done buying some balloons at Dollar Tree because we’re gonna throw some water balloons at some Donald Trump supporters,’’ he says in the 6-½ minute video. “Like you can’t be coming to my block supporting some Donald Trump s---. So you about to get hit.’’
Truax was charged with creating a disturbance in a public place. He pleaded guilty Thursday to the misdemeanor charge, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Truax, who says he is unemployed, returns to court for sentencing next month.
“I was trying to stand up for the people who are just against the president,’’ he said Thursday outside the 8th floor courtroom. “In a way his supporters are just like him. I did what I had to do.’’
Truax showed up at the rally “with the intention of getting arrested,’’ police said.
“It wasn’t going to be long before he was spotted and we moved in quickly to arrest him and remove him from that crowd,’’ Williams said.
Truax was one of two people arrested during the Trump visit. Matthew James Harrington, 32, has a court hearing Friday, April 5 for creating a disturbance. Police say Harrington was trying to pick fights with people in the crowd.
When asked about the people who may have been struck by the water balloons, Truax offered this: “I’m sorry that I got you wet, but you should have brought a long-sleeve to keep a little bit warm.’’
Creating a disturbance in an emotionally-charged crowd is never a good idea, Williams said.
“Not only can you hit someone and injure them, but also you can incite panic in a group,’’ Williams said. And someone can be inadvertently hurt by people trying to move out of the way. Running, or trampled.’’
Truax justified his actions, even invoking the name of Malcolm X, a popular figure during the civil rights movement who was assassinated in 1965.
“I mean, people are always going to bring down the negative side of people speaking up and doing something,’’ he said. “Just like Malcolm X. Some people consider that man a very violent person, but in a way, I do believe he did something right.’’
That’s what the Secret Service agent who shot him would have said.
thats a great gif
First time - Misdemeanor
Second time = Felony assault.
You’ve been warned, asshole.
So, you lay in wait and when he does it, you pour tar on his head. I mean, you could say something but as he says, words are not enough.
He’s lucky he wasn’t shot.
My two craziest nephews would pelt that occupy wall street crowd with eggs a lot.
Mixed it up a few times.
Nether one of them are all there, just like their uncle, I guess.
One is an ADA in the Bronx now and one is finishing college.
HUGE kids. Both football players.
Both a little nuts.
Pretty sure I know where his parents live...
And he probably lives in their basement. ;-)
thats awesome
Give him the 90 days in jail. No remorse and bragging about his crime.
Two words: Idiot and Loser.
My solution: free mini-bat day at the next Trump rally.
CC
How's that?
Attacking people with an unknown substance to incite TERROR.
The terror occurred regardless of the weapon used!
I knew a marine general who told his son once that if he came home with an ear ring, he’d rip it out through his nose.
This guy thinks it’s all fun and games.
He’s probably very lucky the cops took him away first because he was probably gonna need an ambulance ride if that crowd caught him. Leftist punk that he is.
Not a real bright lad. I wouldn’t brag until after the sentencing. If I were the judge he would get the full 90 days.
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