HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Houston man has been arrested and charged after officers with the Houston Police Department said he threw two alcoholic beverage cans at Senator Ted Cruz during the World Series parade in downtown Houston.
Officers said Senator Cruz was on a float in the 2400 block of Smith Street when the parade-goer threw the two unopened 12 oz. alcoholic beverage cans, one of which struck the senator in his chest/neck area.
Cruz reportedly did not receive any medical attention after he was hit. Police said the suspect, who was identified by officers as Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. His bond was set at $40,000 and he has been released from custody, court documents said.
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
According to court documents, Arcidiacono “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can,” to intentionally hit Cruz.
Prosecutors said a witness stated he was standing appropriately 15 feet behind Cruz when he observed Arcidiacono run up towards a barrier wall at the parade and throw the two cans at Cruz. A prosecutor said a witness was able to grab Arcidiacono while he was running away and walk him over to officers after he threw the cans. Arcidiacono told officers, “I know, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry,” while he was being detained, a prosecutor said.
Arcidiacono is expected to appear in court Wednesday.