Alabama city commissioner hits TV reporter in the face when asked about voter fraud

[Newsjock]

Source: Dothan Eagle

District 2 Commissioner Amos Newsome struck WTVY reporter Ken Curtis in the face following Tuesday's Dothan commission meeting as Newsome was leaving to get in his car.

Video shot by another WTVY reporter showed Curtis approaching Newsome to ask him about voter fraud allegations connected to his 2013 election. When Curtis asked Newsome if he planned to resign, Newsome struck him with an open hand two times, causing Curtis to bleed on his right check.

Curtis and WTVY management met with police after the incident and plan to pursue third degree assault charges against Newsome. Third degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor.

... Curtis has followed Newsome to his car on more than one occasion after recent city commission meetings to ask him if he is going to step down as a commissioner. Though he hasn't been charged with a crime, three volunteers with Newsome's campaign have been convicted this year of voter fraud-related charges. Three of Newsome's fellow city commissioners have called for Newsome to step down. Newsome continues to attend meetings and has made no public comments about whether he plans to resign or not.

Read more: http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/local/commissioner-amos-newsome-hits-wtvy-reporter-ken-curtis-in-the/article_2d011e24-6c46-11e5-97e7-0b21240191a3.html

In 2010, Amos Newsome was a Democratic candidate for District 85 of the Alabama House of Representatives and finished in last place with 59 votes.

[MADem]

1. That looked more like a poke than a "slap" -- in any event he should not have done it.

I do not think his intent was to cause 'injury' but to get that guy out of his face. That'll teach him to neglect his manicure.

Seeing as an element of the charge is an INTENTION to cause injury, a good lawyer may get those charges reduced further.

It's unfortunate, though, any time a Dem gets in hot water for any reason.

[COLGATE4]

2. It's an unwanted touching - i.e. battery. No intent

to cause injury required.

[MADem]

3. I don't know their law down there--they're calling it 3rd degree assault.

According to Alabama law, a person commits third degree assault if:
» With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes physical injury to any person; or he recklessly causes physical injury to another person.

[COLGATE4]

4. assault is usually combined with battery under

criminal statutes so that seems right.