Suspect Charged with Assault for Throwing Can at Ted Cruz during Astros World Series Parade

Senator Ted Cruz (R., Texas) was hit by a 12-ounce alcoholic beverage can thrown at him during Monday’s victory parade for the newly crowned World Series champions, the Houston Astros.

Joseph Halm Arcidiacono, 33, threw two full cans at Cruz in quick succession during the parade, one of which struck the senator in the neck. Arcidiacono was arrested, charged with aggravated assault, and released on $40,000 bond.

Cruz did not need medical attention after being hit, and expressed his gratitude for law enforcement’s quick intervention on Monday.

“As always I’m thankful for the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action. I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm,” tweeted Cruz.

Court documents filed by prosecutors accuse Arcidiacono with having “used and exhibited a deadly weapon, namely an unopened metal beverage can,” to assault Cruz.

The attack on Cruz comes amidst heightened concerns over the specter of political violence after the brutal assault on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, in late October. During that incident, Pelosi sustained injuries that forced the 82-year-old to undergo brain surgery, which was successful.

David DePape, the 42-year-old with a history of mental health issues arrested for the attack on Pelosi, told authorities that he had hoped to take the Speaker hostage and break her kneecaps if she lied under interrogation.

This election cycle has also seen attacks on Representative Lee Zeldin, the GOP nominee for governor in New York, and Pat Harrigan, a Republican congressional candidate in North Carolina. Zeldin was assaulted on the campaign trail in July by a man who climbed onto a stage occupied by Zeldin, grabbed the candidate, and threatened to stab him. Harrigan’s parents found a bullet hole in one of their home’s windows in October.