According to authorities, an Orland Park, Illinois, man punch an election judge in the face after pushing his way past many voters at a local polling location on Sunday.
According to the Village of Orland Police Department, Daniel Schmidt, 24, has been charged with two charges of aggravated battery to a victim over the age of 60, two counts of aggravated battery in a public place, five counts of resisting arrest, and one count of disorderly conduct.
On November 3, about 11 a.m., police were summoned to the Orland Park Township Office after receiving reports of a man causing a disturbance in the voting line.
When cops arrived, they saw a man – later identified as Schmidt – being confined by numerous people inside the building.
According to preliminary investigation, Schmidt entered the township facility and marched past multiple voters in queue to vote.
One of the election judges stationed at the entry informed Schmidt that he needed to proceed to the end of the line and wait his time to vote. Schmidt had refused, according to police.
Schmidt refused to comply with the judge’s commands, so another election judge stepped in to assist and directed Schmidt to go to the back of the line once more.
Schmidt allegedly tried to rush past the second judge, but the judge and many other employees stopped him.
Schmidt began spewing profanities before reportedly punching the election judge and knocking his glasses off.
At that time, authorities said, numerous customers joined in to restrain Schmidt until officers arrived.
When authorities attempted to arrest Schmidt, he fought and was eventually handcuffed.
Schmidt is charged with two felonies, aggravated battery to a person over the age of 60 and aggravated battery in public, as well as five misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and one for disorderly conduct.