An official spokesperson, Crystal Strait, told the Sacramento Bee, “Let me be clear, the mayor was assaulted tonight”.
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The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department website stated that Thompson was arrested on a felony charge of assaulting a public official and misdemeanor charge of battery on school property, the Bee noted. A photo released by the Sacramento Police Department showed Thompson with several cuts on his face.
Former NBA player and current Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson was reportedly involved in an altercation with a man at a charity event at a Sacramento high school on Wednesday night. He is scheduled to be formally charged in court Friday afternoon.
A different witness said that the pie had whipped cream as a topping.
“When I threw the pie at him, right at that moment, I shouted at him”.
“I felt some pressure to do something that would at least symbolize and embarrass him”, Thompson said.
As for the mayor fighting back, Thompson says it was in excess – but some witnesses say the mayor was spot on.
Farber said he had just arrived when he saw security helping Johnson up. He’s being held on $100,000 bail.
Thompson has had prior run-ins with the mayor.
Faber also said that the pie-thrower, later identified as 32-year-old Sean Thompson, was left “bloodied up” after Johnson was through with him.
Prosecutors will review the case, including the mayor’s reaction, after receiving the police reports, likely on Friday, district attorney spokeswoman Shelly Orio said. As a member of Occupy Sacramento, Thompson says he’d been arrested three times for protesting and illegally “camping” outside City Hall.
The chief of staff said it was a serious and scary situation and there was nothing amusing about it, especially because no one, including the mayor, could tell immediately that it was a pie the man was holding.
“The mayor is doing well and appreciates everyone’s support”, Strait said. There does not appear to be video of the event at this time.
Last year, he announced he would not seek a third term in office.
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Johnson is well-known for his efforts to revitalize Oak Park, a predominantly African-American neighborhood.
