Filner Charged With Assault For Pushing Airline WorkerRep. Bob Filner (D-CA) faces assault and battery charges for pushing an airline worker at Dulles International Airport, Roll Call reports.
We haven’t heard of other alleged angry outbursts from the border-region lawmaker. But, to be fair, it sounds like the incident had something to do with lost luggage. We’ve all been there, Congressman.
From Roll Call (sub. req.):
According to the statement, at about 6 p.m. Sunday, while at the baggage-claim area for United Airlines, Filner “allegedly attempted to enter an area authorized for airline employees only, pushed aside the employee’s outstretched arm and refused to leave the area when asked by an airline employee.” Airport police arrived on the scene and interviewed Filner and other witnesses but let the Congressman leave. Later that evening, the airline employee whom Filner allegedly pushed appeared before a Loudoun County magistrate, who issued the summons charging Filner with assault and battery, according to the statement. Assault and battery is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. That charge could result in up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine under Virginia code.
Filner’s office said the news is factually incorrect. He’d correct the story now, said aides to the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, but he’s on his way to Iraq to visit the troops, so a full statement about the “ridiculous charges” will await his return. As will, in all likelihood, some very angry United employees.