Election chaos: Martial artist attacks seniors at Illinois polls
A 24-year-old man was arrested after bypassing the line at a polling place in Illinois and striking an elderly election judge. A scuffle followed.
4:03 PM EST, November 5, 2024
According to police, the man arrived at the polling place in Cook County on Sunday morning, allegedly to cast his vote. He caused a commotion by using vulgar language, then pushed and struck a 74-year-old election judge in the face.
The police reported that in his attempt to hit the 74-year-old, he also struck an 80-year-old woman. A social media profile uncovered by ABC Chicago suggests he is a martial arts enthusiast, with photos showing his physique in the mirror or a boxing ring.
Police respond to altercation at polling place
Police stated that several people managed to restrain him until officers arrived. According to a press release, the assailant "walked past numerous other voters waiting in line to enter the voting area."
"An election judge posted at the entrance told Schmidt to go to the back of the line and wait his turn, which Schmidt refused," the police said. A scuffle then occurred, during which the aggressive man shouted insults and hit the election judge.
The prosecutor charged him with two counts of aggravated battery against a person over 60, two counts of aggravated battery in a public place, five counts of resisting arrest, and one count of disorderly conduct.
