A 65-year-old health care reform supporter was punched in the face Wednesday during a rally outside a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce meeting with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).
According to the Miami Herald, Luis Perrero was demonstrating with about 40 other supporters when Raul Anasagasti drove up in a pickup truck. Anasagasti and the crowd began arguing, and Perrero allegedly uttered an offensive Spanish expletive. Anasagasti then allegedly punched Perrero in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Perrero lay motionless on the grass for several minutes while fellow protesters tried to help him. Some took the keys out of Anasagasti’s truck so he couldn’t drive away. A Miami Fire spokesman said Perrero’s injuries were minor and he didn’t want to go to the hospital.
Anasagasti was arrested and charged with battery on a person 65 or older.
According to the Herald:
“I’m amazed at the way this has become such a politicized issue,” Perrero said as he sat on the ground holding his jaw. “It shows that people who are against the public option will resort to anything — including battery on a senior citizen — to prevent healthcare reform.”
Anasagasti, who is 56, claimed to be acting in self defense. “He raised his arm at me,” he said. “That’s when I hit him. I have to defend myself.”
Luckily, no one lost any limbs.
