An Illinois man was arrested Sunday after he allegedly punched an election judge in the face.
According to ABC News, Orland Park police officers were called at about 11 a.m. to the Orland Park Township Office in Illinois for a man “causing a disturbance in the voting line,” police said.
That man, identified as Daniel Schmidt, 24, was arrested for hitting an election judge after a scuffle involving those waiting in line to vote.
“Officers on scene learned that Schmidt entered the township building and walked past numerous other voters waiting in line to enter the voting area,” the Orland Park Police Department said in a press release. “An election judge posted at the entrance told Schmidt to go to the back of the line and wait his turn, which Schmidt refused.”
— US-Crimes (@OfficialUScrime) November 5, 2024
Daniel Schmidt, a 24-year-old Illinois man, was arrested for allegedly assaulting an election judge at the Orland Park Township Office during early voting. The incident reportedly began when Schmidt attempted to cut the line and, after being asked to wait his turn. pic.twitter.com/2LAWYSNzSj
Another election judge was summoned to assist and Schmidt was told to go to the back of the line; Schmidt again refused, police said.
“Schmidt attempted to push past that election judge and was prevented from entering by that judge and several other employees,” authorities said. “Schmidt began to yell profanities and punched the election judge in the face, knocking their glasses off.”
Bystanders restrained Schmidt. Schmidt tried to resist arrest, police said.
He was charged with two counts each of aggravated battery to a victim over 60 and aggravated battery in a public place, both felonies; and five counts of resisting arrest and one count of disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors, police said.
The investigation continues.
