Mugshot/Instagram Joseph Arcodiacono and Ted Cruz
Joseph Arcidiacono is the man accused of throwing a White Claw can at U.S. Senator Ted Cruz in Texas.
The beverage was initially said to be a beer tossed at Cruz, who was appearing in a victory parade for the Houston Astros in Texas.
“UPDATE: Booking photo of Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, now charged with aggravated assault in this incident,” Houston police announced on November 8, 2022.
Here’s what you need to know:
A Video Shows the White Claw Flying Toward Cruz; Arcidiacono Is Accused of Telling Police, ‘I Know I’m an Idiot’
An Instagram video captures the moment the White Claw — an alcoholic seltzer beverage — is hurled toward Cruz, who was standing in a truck during the parade.
According to Houston police, “HPD made one arrest during today’s victory parade. A male, 33, threw a beer can at U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as the Senator was on a float in the 2400 block of Smith St. The beer can struck the Senator in the chest/neck area. The Senator did not require medical attention.”
Police added: “Nearby HPD officers arrested the male without further incident. He was taken to jail and faces assault charges.”
According to ABC13, Arcidiacono is accused of telling police, “I know I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.”
A Public Defender for Arcidiacono Argued the White Claw Can Was Not a Deadly Weapon Under the Law; Cruz Called Arcidiacono a ‘Clown’ With a ‘Noodle for an Arm’
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
At least two cans of beer were thrown at U.S. Senator Ted Cruz while he was participating in the World Series victory parade for the Houston Astros, and one appears to strike him, footage circulating on social media showed
Arcidiacono’s public defender argued that a can of White Claw hard seltzer water is not a deadly weapon under Texas law. According to ABC13, she cited case law holding that a deadly weapon object must “have more than a hypothetical capability of causing death or serious bodily injury.”
The judge set Arcidiacono’s bond at $40,000; the public defender asked for it to be set at $100.
ABC13 reported that the attorney stated Arcidiacono was standing “about 20 feet away from Cruz.”
“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,” Cruz tweeted.
A Group Is Raising Money for Arcidiacono Online
Ted Cruz Hit with Beer Can During Astros Victory Parade
One video showed a person giving the middle finger at Cruz.
A GoFundMe page had raised more than $1,000 for Arcidiacono but was later removed from the site.
The page, organized by For the People, read:
After seeing the video and listening to the crowd I believe Joseph was under pressure and frustration and happened to throw beer at Ted! Although he was very apologetic I believe he need our help because we understand his frustration! We don’t incite violence but we believe Joseph should be home! Please pitch in as we help him and others in time of need like these! Purposed For The People
The incident occurred as concern about violence toward lawmakers and their families escalated after the October 28, 2022, attack against Paul Pelosi, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
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