Curt J. Brockway was charged with assault of a minor after he allegedly slammed a 13-year old boy to the ground for not removing his hat during the national anthem at the Mineral County Fair last weekend.

According to Brockway's attorney, he was basically "doing what he believed he was told to do" by President Trump.

In an interview with the Missoulian, Defense Attorney Lance Jasper said his client suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2000 which affects his decision making. Jasper said his client "certainly didn't understand it was a crime" when he attacked the boy. “His commander in chief is telling people that if they kneel, they should be fired, or if they burn a flag, they should be punished,” Jasper said.

Jasper says he and his client have been getting hateful voicemails and "hundreds" of death threats since taking on the case.

Brockway, who is on the violent offenders list, was released on his own recognizance with an arraignment set for August 14.

A Go Fund Me page has been started for the 13-year old boy who suffered a concussion and fractured skull in the assault.

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