Man accused of punching Trump protester apologizes in Fayetteville court
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- The man accused of punching a protester at a Donald Trump rally in Fayetteville apologized to the victim in court Wednesday.
John Franklin McGraw, 79, is accused of hitting Rakeem Jones as Cumberland County sheriff's deputies were removing Jones from the Trump rally in Fayetteville on March 9. As Jones walked up the stairs, a man with a ponytail and wearing a hat is clearly seen from several camera angles punching Jones in the face.
McCraw is charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct and communicating a threat.
Wednesday, McGraw pleaded "no contest" to all charges.
Both McGraw and Jones were present in court Wednesday morning. McGraw's defense team insisted the assault was not based on race.
McGraw issued an apology to Jones, which was met with applause from those in the courtroom.
"You and me have to heal our country," McGraw told Jones.
The judge sentenced McGraw to 12 months unsupervised probation. He also commended McGraw on his apology.
