LOS ANGELES — A California philosophy lecturer accused of assaulting federal agents after removing a tear gas canister from a crowd — the same canister that a U.S. Border Patrol agent had thrown at protesters during an immigration raid — was found not guilty by a jury on Thursday. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jonathan-caravello-not-guilty_n_69d801e6e4b048dba44c0d5f?origin=home-latest-news-unit
Jonathan Caravello, 38, faced up to 20 years in prison if he was convicted of the charge. The verdict is the latest blow to the Trump administration, which has thrown baseless assault charges at people who protest its mass deportation operations — but has repeatedly failed to secure convictions.
The jury returned their verdict after roughly two hours of deliberation. They found Caravello not guilty of assault on a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, as well as a lesser included offense of assault on a federal officer.
Speaking to his supporters outside the courthouse after the verdict, Caravello said he had no intention of hitting anyone with the tear gas canister, and that he would continue protecting his community.
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