Bob Etheridge’s Criminal Assault
by Ben ShapiroWhen one watches Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC) pushing a camera, grabbing a college student by the arm, collaring him around the neck, and finally hugging him to his body in order to threaten him for information about his identity, one thing becomes absolutely clear: this guy is a moron.
Well, something else also becomes clear: Etheridge is guilty of criminal assault under Washington D.C. law. DC Criminal Code §22-404(a)(1) dictates, “Whoever unlawfully assaults, or threatens another in a menacing manner, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than 180 days, or both.” Generally, assault requires four elements: (1) ability to carry out a threat (i.e. Stephen Hawking threatening you with a personal kick to the jaw would probably not constitute assault); (2) an unlawful attempt (the perp actually has to try to do something); (3) to commit a violent injury; (4) upon someone else (you can’t assault yourself – duh).
All of the elements are clearly fulfilled here. The movement toward hitting the camera, the attempt to grab the student, the attempt to collar the student, the achievement of those goals – all constitute simple assault. One of the most common defenses to assault is consent – if you’re an S&M freak, for example, you’re going to have trouble claiming assault. But in this case, the kid is telling the Congressman to let him go, and actually threatens to sue him. The Congressman doesn’t comply. And he doesn’t get immunity just because he’s a Congressman – Congressional immunity only applies to speech during Congressional debate, not to grabbing students by their necks. If it did, Teddy Kennedy would have had to worry a whole hell of a lot less during his profligate lifetime.
So, will the DC police do anything about it? Will Nancy Pelosi’s ethics committee do anything about it? Or will they claim it’s just another taped hoax, and ignore the dangerous and volatile behavior of one of their caucus members?
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1,017 Comments
Is it just me or did the Congressman, after assaulting the student, walk away with the guy's camera? It wasn't 100% clear in the video but it looks like he might be a thief as well as a thug! Forget November, this guy needs to be arrested NOW.
it's a good thing the college kid didn't deck 'em, if he could…but i know why etheridge did it….bush made him…..
bob ethridge has just become the poster child for the assault of the "progressive" democrats on the American Republic.
Smile Mr congressman. You're on Candid Camera.
Thanks for outing the treasonous "progressive" players.
hmmmm…
The Democrats prosecute one of their own for malfeasance. Or ask him to resign. Sure, you betcha. Glenn Beck for Ambassador to the United Nations is more likely. Maybe George W Bush for the Freedom Award presented by
Michelle and George Soros.
Monkeys flying out of butts comes to mind as well…
I have seen at least two different videos from two different angles so I would say that he just knocked it out of the students hands but that is neither here nor there.
Side note: YouTube has pulled the videos already, claiming Copyright but they have been downloaded all over the place.
Another example of typical Thug behavior and another reason why it is so important to always have a camera when approaching a member of the Demonrat party whether it be a union thug or a public servant thug. Will the MSM report on this? Not a chance.
Progressive tolerance on full display.
STENY: Nancy, Nancy come quick a Representative just beat up a kid!. Oh darn, he's one of us. Can you grab the broom for me and hold up the edge of the rug? I'll just sit your purse down over by the window.
I watched the edited video again and at 25 seconds into it, the Congressman clearly snatches the guy's camera/phone out of his hand. As he walks away at the end, it's still in the Congressman's hand. Perhaps he returned it, perhaps not. Either way, this bum is going down!
They are shocked that the "LITLE PEOPLE" are getting so uppity, and do what any self appointed parent does (in Progressive land) they knock the crap out of you! DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing, isn't it? What a tool this Ethiridge is!! HE works for us and has the audacity to assault a polite young man just trying to do his job as a citizen reporter. Those cockroach thugs need to be outed, arrested and run out of office.
Oh wait, maybe Etheridge will get one of those drones Obama wants to unleash on this country and vaporize the next person who asks him a question. Freaking scary events are unfolding and it will only get worse.
Bob Etheridge to student "And now, for my next impression the student must decide who I am"
1 a union member
2. A pretentious, pompous ass liberal member of congress
3. What Barack Obama really wants to do every time he's asked a question.
4. All of the above
Not to defend this scumbag, Etheridge probably thought the kid was directly from his competition. Why else the question, "Who are you?" Doesn't change anything. Etheridge should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
If Pelosi intervenes, she should be prosecuted for obstruction of justice.
Sue the crap out of him!
I'm sure there's a racist angle to it somewhere that they'll pull out…
Shes too busy moving into her $18,000+ per month new office in San Fran. Our taxes are paying for her luxury new digs because she said she outgrew her other office. Maybe she plans on new breast implants and needs more space for them.
I wish it would have been me Etheridge grabbed instead of that poor, gonadless student.
Etheridge would still be picking his teeth out of the back of his throat.
Copyright of what? YouTube bites.
I only have this to say…Dude better thank whoever it is he prays to that it was not MY kid he put his hands on. He would not be doing Congressman things today…he'd be in marathon, life-saving surgery.
This video will be used in EVERY ad throughout the country to show what the Democrats are really like,they are so embarrassed to be associated with Obama and his agenda that they will resort to violence when confronted with the question,DO YOU SUPPORT OBAMA'S AGENDA,if this agenda was so great why not come right out and tell usyes I support Obama's agenda because ECT ECT ECT.Why resort to violence? Tell us why you support Obama's agenda?
We can't let this die! At every turn this incident must be brought up over and over. This idiot must become the poster child of the democrats' collective (pun is intended) rage.
Is this guy out on bail or something? Why is he not in jail for assault? If I were to do what he did and get caught on video doing it, wouldn't I be arrested? Why is this POS free??
Embarrassment is an emotional state experienced upon having a socially or professionally unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others. Usually some amount of loss of honour or dignity is involved, but how much and the type depends on the embarrassing situation. It is similar to shame, except that shame may be experienced for an act known only to oneself. Also, embarrassment usually carries the connotation of being caused by an act that is merely socially unacceptable, rather than morally wrong.
What the Hell is up with Youtube. They keep doing this. Someone needs to give youtube some competition.
I think he has become an alcoholic,look at his picture on his website and compare it with the pictures those children took.
Who knew Etheridge was in the Tea Party!? He must be right – because he was a violent, angry white man. /sarc/
Add theft charges to it. I'm not familiar with D.C. laws but in some states, theft with an assault add up to a felony which would change the dynamics of this completely but that is for the lawyers to answer. I know, as a police officer, that I have more than enough probable cause to arrest the good Congressman.
We'll have to wait and see what happens if anything.
I understand the sentiment, but PLEASE don't disparage the kid. He looks like he's half the size of this animal congressman. I think by the time this plays out, that student's "inaction" is what will knock this guys teeth out politically.
If I was there, on the other hand, the wacky left would DEFINITELY be able to claim the congressman was a "victim."
I've been through some legal training as a manager, and the only place you can "legally" touch someone is behind the elbow. The gentleman from NC can clearly be charged with assault. Just another indicator the political elite have distain for the people they work for.
College? I think the kid is high school.
PS the Copyright argument is complete BS. The students own the "copyright" and its fair use anyway. And you don't need a release from a public figure on a newsworthy event.
The audacity of that college student asking a Representative what he supports, but his reaction makes sense to me. Because he didn't know who is audience was, he didn't know what set of canned answers to use. This caused the short circuit of his brain and the reaction filmed on camera. It would be like Obama about to address the nation and the teleprompter catching on fire during the speech. He wouldn't know what to say…
He has apologized but sorry isn't good enough. If that young man did that he would be in jail. He needs to pay for the crime.
Send the scumbag Congressman a love note on his Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Rep-Bob-Etheridg...
I’ve done a bad thing…a very bad thing. Please forgive me.
As is my way for finding out what the libtards take on any particular issue is, I’ve spent well over 45 minutes perusing the comments section of this story over at the HuffPuff.
I’d say about 25% of them are calling the congress critter a dirt bag, (but still claiming the students should have been more “upfront” on telling the critter who they were before asking him a question on the street).
However, the other 75% are blaming it on the collage kids for first “assaulting” their guy, and they have obviously doctored/edited/faked/monkeyed with the tape and therefor can not be used to harm the critter in the future.
The story is only a few hours old and the spin on the left is in full swing already.
Sick ba$tards.
I need a shower now.
Not Over.
Hey, Bob…
Q: "WHO ER YEWWW ??!?!?!!"
A: You're toast, Bobby.
Oh yeah… http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5940/etheridge...
Was he headed to Congress? If so, the Constitution may offer immunity:
“They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”
No, he still gets immunity from arrest. I believe you need 22-1321 of the DC code for breach of peace which he can be arrested for.
Notice how Etheridge tried to cover up the assault by putting an arm around the student, trying to make it look like a photo op? Ironically, he was right.
This is no different from a legal standpoint than when Allee Butsch was beaten by Leftist thugs.
http://biggovernment.com/jhoft/2010/04/15/photo-r...
You gave me only 4 choices! That's unfair and racist! /sarc
Here is where I got it and it had been pulled and reposted again.
http://blog.eyeblast.tv/2010/06/congressman-bob-e...
Since one video is shown from the student being assaulted phone, the student kept his phone.
You're forgiven. Take an extra-long shower, and follow it with a shot of your favorite beverage. You've earned it!
They'll probably charge him just as soon as they get done charging the Black Panthers for their crimes last election day.
Renee Ellmers, a solid, responsible, non-violent, true conservative, is the candidate running against the violent, savage, brutal eltheridge. Go to her web site and contribute. We must take back our country from these out-of-control d-crat socialist extremists.
the clock is ticking nov. is coming and they know they time is running out and they are pissed and because of this knowledge they can not and WILL not get what they want to do and as such their frustrations at being asked simple questions makes them blow a gasket with a "how dare you ask me a question don't you know who i am , i am your ruling class servant!"
http://www.popmodal.com/
The violent, hateful Left strikes again.
I hope the kid presses charges. This is just out of control, and they keep getting away with it.
If this had been the opposite scenario (liberal kid, conservative congressman) the MSM would be demanding a resignation and criminal charges.
I'm looking forward to the TV documentary, "When Congressmen Attack!"
The answer to the question "Who are you?" is easy: "I'm your boss, douchebag."
Great…I'll have just what that congress critter was drinking. *sip*
Not Over.
I think the best thing to do if you are ever in a situation where you are attacked by a regressive is to let them attack you and make sure the attack is documented. That proves that you were attacked first and are the victim.
Of course if there are no cameras around and you are attacked, well you would have every right to kick some regressive butt.
http://www.reneeforcongress.com/
Followed by, "It Only Hurts When I Laugh"
Assaulting a student. NICE. Not to mention completely classy. /sarc
My money's on the guy not being prosecuted until after he loses the election. Any takers?
Dear God 1GooDDaDDy, that could cause permanent damage.
I'd like to be a constituent of his and attend one of his town hall meetings. Whak! Wop!Pow! I'm Batman!
"Monkeys flying out of butts comes to mind as well…"
You've been watching too much adult swim on cable! LOL! Sounds like an episode of The Drinky Crow show to me.
One would have to ask, what happens if the congressman assaults someone else and this time real physical damage is done? Seems he is a bit of a liability Nancy. Time for a special election….ya think?
Cheney was holding the other camera, which has "Haliburton" stamped on it. All part of Karl Rove's genius plan!
Have you noticed this is the new trend with regressives? They are now "tough guys" , even Obama is talking about "kicking ass".
It started with some bloggers and then spread to the MSNBC clown college of Matthews, Olbermann and Maddow, now it's spread to the pols.
They think being viewed as tough and macho draws attention away from the fact they are destroying our nation.
Good one!
That leftwing rodent should face criminal charges or let the student assault the democrat with impunity.
Of course, if he left with the lad's camera, which he took from the lad during an assault with battery, the theft of the camera would then constitute a "robbery," which is a felony in all jurisdictions. Moreover, the taking of the camera may in itself constitute a felony, given the amount that they cost (I would need to know more about DC's criminal code on that issue).
The Constitution offers no immunity for felonies; also, how is this not "Breach of the Peace"?
This guy must be charged. If he did this to me I'd swear out a charge and demand his arrest. His press conference is a ridiculous attempt to ameliorate his crime. Get him off the street before he harms someone. People who do this are two lamp shades away from a big crackup.
Bill Ayers will go to trial first!
indy, look again from beginning to end. there are 2 phones/cameras. the congressman takes the phone away from the student whose arm he grabs.
"They think being viewed as tough and macho draws attention away from the fact they are destroying our nation. "
Hey, it worked for Bush.
Already did! I hope she can run this video non-stop.
Where are the usual trolls? I was expecting something from Randy or Anon on how this was the kids fault. I am sure we will hear that the kid called Etheridge the "n" word and then spit on him.
Com'on trolls, lets hear your defense of the undefensable!
It did? I voted for the guy in 04, but never particularly thought of him as "tough" or "macho." In fact, the only President who seemed at all tough to me (within my memory) was Ronnie. On the toughness scale, I'd say it was Reagan, then a tie between Nixon and George HW Bush, then Ford, then Clinton and George W. in a tie, and I'd say that Obama and Carter are a tie at last place, likely for all of American history.
If he'd put his arm around my neck, they wouldn't have much left to reattach, after I'm done bitch-slapping him with it.
Not defending it, but it is a 68 year old guy kicking a 20 year old guy's ass, which is pretty funny.
Monkeys with purple shirts on, I bet….
I vote for the theory that Etheridge was drunk.
Let's take a poll, of sorts: "Thumbs Up" this comment if you think he was drunk, "Thumbs Down" this one if you think he was stone cold sober. We can't tell how many people vote, but we can get a positive or negative number.
The correct response from that congressman should have been: "No comment." And he should have continued on his way. That's the congressional thing to do. However, he didn't. I hope the student files charges.
Michelle Malkin's site has the video and story, too. Don't think they'll be able to "scrub" it from there!
Best way to get rid of these kinds of servants is to get involved in Get Out The Vote efforts with your local Republican Party committee.
Go here to learn more: http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com
Take every conservative you know with you and volunteer to help make sure every conservative votes in both the primary and general elections.
Thank you.
Cold Warrior http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com
I have watched both videos from both phone which means:
-The student that was assaulted retained his phone
-The students had a remote recording system set-up
-The Congressman returned the phone
The second video is from the assaulted student: http://www.youtube.com/user/DCCameraGuy
Michelle Malkin's site has the video and story, too.
It's clear to me from watching Democrat Rep. Bob Etheridge of N. Carolina assault a peaceful young person – no matter WHO they were or what their purposes – that HE AND HIS ILK ARE EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH D.C.
Where EXACTLY did he learn his debating skills? The World Wrestling Foundation?
Batta…batta…batta…. STRIKE 3 ~~~ YER'REEEEEEE O – U – T !!!
I picture him in one of those SEIU T-Shirts with "Purple People Beaters" scrawled across the back.
Not only will they not REPORT on this, they have been busy little bees trying to ERASE the evidence!
Did anyone see the ABC news story on this (comcast has a link)? Not once, NOT ONCE, did they mention he was a Democrat. They did say who posted the video, they did ask why the person doing the interview (i.e. the person being ASSULTED) had their face hidden, they did say that the video was heavily edited but NEVER ONCE MENTIONED THAT THE CONGRESSMAN WAS A DEMOCRAT! I guess we are supposed to figure that out since they went out of their way to defend the aggressor…. A DEMOCRAT!
cp: "Shes too busy moving into her $18,000+ per month new office in San Fran. Our taxes are paying for her luxury new digs…"
*
*
Well, gee whiz… unless Pelosi needs those new digs for her multi-million dollar business interests, I sure do hope she didn't sign a long lease!
Not so, it was global goreing.
According to Bill Maher's definition, Ethridge is a "real Black man."
On a serious note, so much for government of the people by the people for the people. Get this guy back out into the real world please…he's obviously confused being a US congressman with being a medieval Earl. "Such impudence that a mere peasant should dare question me!"
They never did anything to cold cash Jefferson so a simple battery is nothing for commiecrats to get excited about.
Connie when you mentioned broom I thought you were talking about Nancy's mode of transportation, but alas it was for sweeping it under the rug
Because he's a commiecrat politician.
Ben,
Good article.
Take it from someone who knows Bob Etheridge; he is a first class prick.
North Carolina corruption at its finest,
He is nothing more than a bagman for ex Governor Jim Hunt.
Jesus, YouTube is getting shameless. How can it be "copyright violation" when the kid who shot the video posted it.
Left-wing stooges.
If Mikatollah had not been booted he would point out that video evidence is no evidence at all, and anyway we are all a bunch of violent red-necks that need to be told what the truth is blah blah blah.
These leftist clowns are loosing it big time
Documentary hell. There's enough of this in the District of Corruption to make a reality show.
When the MSM "omits" the political party, it is always a commiecrat.
[...] while repeatedly asking, “Who are you?” Further details of the incident are outlined here. The Democrat from North Carolina issued a statement on his Web site and later held a press [...]
You moron- that means he can't be *arrested* while traveling to and from Congress, not that he has immunity for any criminal acts he might commit en route. He just gets arrested later.
Jesus Christ, liberals are idiots.
The Dems aren't having town hall meetings. They're too skeered to face their honked-off constituents.
I'm waiting for the student to be arrested for "causing" a public disturbance by asking a question. I'm very serious here. That would be how the capital police would get the commiecrats out of their pickle, relieve the politician of responsibility by blaming someone else.
Um, the key phrase was "destroying our nation," imbecile.
That's only because the 20-year-old is intelligent. The dufus Dem has all the sense of a doorknob.
Slapping a kid who isn't fighting back is funny? I'm sure you loved Bull Conner.
Yes, the Left is getting increasingly thuggish and supportive of violence as their plots and schemes unravel. Desperation breeds lashing out.
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