On a bustling Tuesday evening in San Jose, chaos erupted as a male pedestrian unleashed a violent attack on a security officer tasked with protecting Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan.
The shocking incident was captured by a KRON-TV camera that happened to be rolling at the time, documenting the entire two-minute altercation that unfolded on South 1st Street.
Mayor Mahan, in the area for a restaurant opening, was engaged in an interview with the station when the dramatic events began to transpire. As Mahan spoke, a pedestrian can be seen in the video walking past him while engrossed in his phone.
The pedestrian then diverted towards the mayor’s security officer, sparking a verbal exchange between the two individuals. Mahan attempted to intervene, informing the pedestrian that he was currently engaged in an interview.
The tension escalated as the pedestrian questioned the mayor’s activities and proceeded to verbally berate the security officer, who also doubled as a member of the San Jose police force.
Disregarding warnings from both Mahan and his security detail, the pedestrian continued with his aggressive behavior, asserting that he would proceed with his actions regardless of their presence.
Moments later, physical contact ensued as the pedestrian lunged forward and landed a forceful punch on the security officer.
The altercation intensified as blows were exchanged between the pedestrian and the security officer, with bystanders eventually stepping in to assist in subduing the assailant.
San Jose police officers swiftly arrived on scene and apprehended the suspect responsible for the violent outburst.
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Meanwhile, Mayor Mahan’s security officer sustained injuries during the scuffle and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
In light of these distressing events, Mayor Matt Mahan expressed deep gratitude towards his security detail and law enforcement for their swift response and bravery during this harrowing ordeal.
He commended their actions as heroic and emphasized their commitment to deescalation training which reinforces their effectiveness and fosters community trust.
Mahan conveyed his thoughts to his injured security officer, wishing him a speedy recovery while acknowledging his privilege of having armed protection at all times.
Mayor Matt Mahan is deeply grateful to his security detail and the entire San Jose Police Department. The actions of the Officer tonight were heroic and a testament to the deescalation training that makes our officers effective, compassionate and stewards of community trust. His thoughts are with the Officer and he hopes for a speedy recovery. The Mayor understands how privileged he is to have an armed officer protecting him at all times, and is resolved in his commitment to create a safer city for everyone. That means hiring more police officers and addressing the root causes of crime, including by intervening earlier and more effectively in cycles of addiction, mental illness and violence.
The suspect involved in this reprehensible act was subsequently booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on multiple charges including felony battery on a police officer.
The motive behind this senseless violence remains under investigation by authorities as they analyze evidence to determine appropriate legal action against the perpetrator.
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