Charges withdrawn against man arrested after People’s Party fundraiser

Charges against a man arrested following a confrontation between protesters and attendees of a controversial People’s Party of Canada fundraiser at Mohawk College in 2019 have been withdrawn.

Charges of intimidation and assault Level 1 were dropped in Hamilton court Friday after Maximiliano Herrera agreed to a one-year peace bond.

The Hamilton man was one of several people charged following the Sept. 29, 2019 event that saw clashes between protesters and those attending the fundraiser featuring party leader Maxime Bernier and political commentator Dave Rubin.

About 100 protesters attended to demonstrate against the party’s advocacy for immigration cuts and anti-multiculturalism platform.

The interaction with Herrera allegedly involved a man wearing a red baseball that read “Make Trudeau A Drama Teacher Again,” said assistant Crown attorney Jake Boughs.

Someone in the crowd tried to slap off the hat and the man attempted to defend himself, he said. Then another person in the crowd grabbed the hat and the man gave chase. That’s when the prosecution alleges Herrera emerged from the crowd and tackled the victim.

Four people were arrested at the scene but let go. Herrera was among those later charged.

Herrera’s lawyer, Genevieve Eliany, told the court over Zoom on Friday that her client does not accept any civil or criminal liability, but agreed to the peace bond.

Its conditions include keeping the peace, especially while attending public demonstrations, protests or rallies, no contact with the victim and not to possess weapons.

Asked if he wanted to address the court, Herrera said he would abide by those conditions.