CLEARWATER, Fla. — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna claimed her campaign manager was the victim involved in an incident outside of a Clearwater courthouse on Saturday.
The Clearwater Police Department said Andrew Francis, 33, made "numerous aggressive actions" and used "verbal obscenities" toward an opposing political group while approaching the crosswalk on Court Street outside of the Clearwater courthouse.
He then intentionally struck Olivia Carson with his shoulder, which made her lose her balance, according to an affidavit. Francis allegedly stated he touched the victim but that she was blocking his path during an interview.
"My campaign manager was assaulted earlier today at the Clearwater courthouse by my opponent's supporter," Luna wrote on Facebook. "Any man who physically attacks a women (sic) belongs in jail. There is footage and she is pressing charges."
Francis was charged with simple battery and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Monday evening.
Florida unlicensed contractor faces a bond normally reserved for murderers and violent criminals.
