Police arrested and charged 33-year-old Joseph Halm Arcidiacono with aggravated assault for allegedly throwing a White Claw can at Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at a World Series parade.
Police arrested Arcidiacono was arrested after a 12-ounce can hit Cruz in the chest and neck during the Astros victory parade Monday, the department said. The incident occurred as the senator waved to parade attendees from atop a float alongside his two daughters.
Police released Arcidiacono’s identity and mugshot Tuesday, which showed a bearded man with a nose piercing on the left side of his face. The suspect was released on a $40,000 bond.
UPDATE: Booking photo of Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, now charged with aggravated assault in this incident.#hounews https://t.co/njt9hruEIf pic.twitter.com/DzeAwtuzyB
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 8, 2022
Prosecutors have accused Arcidiacono of having “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can,” to attack the senator, the National Review reported.
Cruz did not require medical attention over the incident, and thanked the Houston Police Department and Capitol Police for their swift action. (RELATED: Antifa Sends Threatening Message To Ted Cruz After Disrupting His Dinner: ‘You Are Not Safe’)
“As always I’m thankful for the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action,” Cruz tweeted. “I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm.”
As always I’m thankful for the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action.
I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm. https://t.co/CRSfNHckA2
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 7, 2022
The incident is the latest act of political violence following the attack on Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, and two violent attacks revolving around Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin. A suspect was arrested after attempting to stab Zeldin during a campaign event in July, while two men were shot in front of Zeldin’s home while two daughters were present in October.