Photo: Orland Park Police Department
A 24-year-old man, identified as Daniel Schmidt, was arrested on Sunday (November 3) after allegedly punching an elderly election judge at a polling location in Orland Park, Illinois. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Orland Park Township Office, located about 27 miles southwest of Chicago, according to the Orland Park Police Department.
Schmidt reportedly entered the township building and attempted to bypass other voters waiting in line to vote. When an election judge at the entrance instructed Schmidt to go to the back of the line, Schmidt refused. Another election judge was called to assist, and Schmidt was again instructed to go to the back of the line. Schmidt then allegedly attempted to push past the election judge, began yelling profanities, and punched the 74-year-old election judge in the face, knocking off his glasses. Several other patrons restrained Schmidt until officers arrived.
The victim, a 74-year-old man, refused medical attention at the scene and is expected to recover. While being arrested, Schmidt also resisted police, but no officers were injured. The Cook County State Attorney’s Office has charged Schmidt with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a victim over age 60, two felony counts of aggravated battery in a public place, five misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Schmidt was held overnight and transported to a local courthouse for a detention hearing. He was released with conditions of bond, including electronic monitoring, and is due back in court on November 22.