A man has been arrested for throwing a can of White Claw at Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz during an Astros World Series victory parade.
Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, now faces a charge of aggravated assault for throwing the can of hard seltzer at Mr Cruz, according to Law & Crime.
The senator was standing up in the back of a military vehicle and waving at parade attendees in celebration of the Houston Astros winning the World Series.
“HPD made one arrest during today’s victory parade,” Houston Police tweeted on Monday afternoon. “A male, 33, threw a beer can at US 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.”
Video of the incident seems to show Mr Cruz and another man blocking the can as it comes flying.
Police said that “the Senator did not require medical attention” before adding: “Nearby HPD officers arrested the male without further incident.”
“As always I’m thankful for the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action,” Mr Cruz tweeted after 6pm on Monday. “I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm.”
Earlier on Monday, KPRC reporter Chancellor Johnson tweeted that Mr Cruz “pulled off what I thought was impossible – getting booed at a championship parade”.
“Millions of people booing you and chanting ‘you suck’ for a parade that lasted for two hours. Yikes,” he added.
Court records show that Mr Arcidiacono is set to appear in court on Wednesday. According to KPRC, bond was set at $40,000.
Court documents state that he “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can” to strike Mr Cruz.
Prosecutors have said that a witness said he was standing 15 feet from Mr Cruz when he saw the suspect run at the barrier and throw two cans at the senator.
One prosecutor said a witness grabbed Mr Arcidiacono as he was trying to run away and walked him over to officers.
“I know, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry,” the suspect told officers as he was arrested, according to a prosecutor.
The video shared on Twitter of one of the cans being thrown at Mr Cruz has been viewed more than 5.5 million times.
Writer Matt Oswalt referenced the baseless right-wing conspiracies surrounding the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Such a blatant assault can only mean one thing, this is clearly a lovers quarrel between Ted Cruz and the gay prostitute he invited to the parade for sex,” Mr Oswalt wrote.
“Don’t throw beer or commit violence against someone you politically disagree with. We are a country of voting, not violence,” Democratic California Representative Eric Swalwell wrote.
“Do not do this! It’s not funny or some kind of gag. It’s bad and toxic and dangerous,” MSNBC host Chris Hayes added.
“Not cool. Can’t stand the guy. Can’t believe he’s involved in this parade. But come on,” Rex Chapman said.
