Florida woman who threw drink at GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz sentenced to 15 days

A Florida woman who threw a drink at a Republican congressman was sentenced to 15 days in federal custody.

Amanda Kondrat’yev was sentenced Monday after throwing a red drink at Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as he was leaving an event at a Pensacola restaurant June 1, according to court documents. She pleaded guilty in August to assault on a member of Congress.

The drink hit Gaetz in the chest and torso area, according to a criminal complaint.

A special detail officer, who was guarding Gaetz during the event at Brewhaha restaurant, saw the drink fly through the air from a group of protesters, but didn’t see who threw it. A witness said it was Kondrat’yev who threw the drink, according to the complaint.

Kondrat’yev tried to leave the scene, but the officer accompanying Gaetz detained her, the complaint said. The officer reported that Kondrat’yev was holding a sign that said, “Gaetz – wipe the blood from your hands, A+ rating – NRA, save our kids vote Gaetz out in 2020.”

Kondrat’yev ran as a Democrat in 2016 for the seat that Gaetz won representing the state’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle. She withdrew from the race.

Gaetz appeared at Kondrat’yev’s sentencing hearing, asking for jail time, her lawyer Eric Stevenson told NBC News on Tuesday.

“My supporters are just as passionate as my opponents. They have the capability to be violent too. My efforts to ensure ALL participants remain nonviolent are undermined greatly by the Defendant’s actions,” Gaetz said in a pre-sentencing statement provided by Stevenson…….read more

Source: NBC News