The Houston Police Department (HPD) announced on Monday that it arrested a man who assaulted Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) at a parade celebrating the World Series win by the Houston Astros.
In a statement, HPD said that it made a single arrest during the victory parade. The suspect is a 33-year-old male who “threw a beer can at U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz” while he was on a float in the parade. It added: “The beer can struck the Senator in the chest/neck area. The senator did not require medical attention.”
Beer flies at Ted Cruz during Astros World Series Parade pic.twitter.com/lRALgyXCe2
— Alien Truther Wildwest (@wcgroovy) November 7, 2022
HPD officers were nearby when the assault occurred and arrested the man without incident. Officers determined that the suspect actually threw two beer cans at Cruz. After being booked into jail, HPD identified the suspect as Joseph Halm Arcidiacono. He was charged with aggravated assault and his bond was set at $40,000. Court documents indicate he has made bail and been released from custody.
In court documents, HPD officers alleged that Arcidiacono “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can” in his attack on Cruz. A witness was identified who said he was about 15 feet behind Cruz when he saw the defendant “run up towards a barrier wall at the parade and throw the two cans at Cruz.”
Upon being apprehended, Arcidiacono allegedly told officers, “I know, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.”
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
Reports indicate that the senator’s daughters were next to him when he was attacked with the hurled beer can. Cruz said that he is thankful as always to “the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action.”
Cruz added: “I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm.”
A video taken at the scene showed Cruz standing in the back of a military truck, indicating that the can had not been opened, meaning it was significantly heavier than an empty or partially filled can. A thud can be heard on the clip as the can falls into the back end of the truck Cruz was standing in.
What's the difference between an act of “politically motivated violence” and “public backlash?”
It depends on whether the press likes the person being assaulted or not. pic.twitter.com/MLf3F8Wtej
— Nick Freitas (@NickForVA) November 8, 2022
Cruz and a member of his staff both saw the can coming at them and reacted to catch or deflect it, although it went on to strike the senator. The staffer pointed out the assailant to police who were walking and standing alongside the truck.
