MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A review of videos found no evidence that a CodePink anti-war activist assaulted Wisconsin Congress member Derrick Van Orden on a Milwaukee street during the Republican National Convention. The finding, by the Milwaukee County district attorney, was a humiliation for Van Orden. He had claimed being battered in an “act of political violence” while entering a GOP event at a downtown hotel. At Van Orden’s behest, police arrested activist Nour Jaghama, but she was released for lack of evidence. Among political observers, the episode likely will work against Van Orden’s bid for election to a second term. He already has been characterized as publicity-seeking bully given to erratic behavior.
Incident’s aftermath
After Nora Jaghama’s release from police custody, her CodePink reported receiving a death threat. He threat has been passed on to the FBI. CodePink also has demanded the release of the police body cam footage of the incident. The organization also asked that Van Orden be investigated by the U.S. Ethics Committee.