Breaking news out of Los Angeles where we’re seeing reports that Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón will not be pursuing felony charges against Isaiah Lee, the 23-year-old accused of rushing the stage and tackling comedian Dave Chappelle earlier this week:
Chappelle attacker, who had a fake gun with a knife inside, will not be facing FELONY charges because George Gascon says so, per LA Times.
— Lisa Horne (@LisaHorne) May 5, 2022
Instead, Lee will be referred to the city attorney to face misdemeanor charges:
#BREAKING LA County DA won't charge onstage attack on Dave Chappelle as a felony, refers misdemeanor case to city attorneyhttps://t.co/oCbkHEUMqh
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) May 5, 2022
The LAPD had earlier released photos of the knife that looked like a gun, but they’re now saying Lee had the gun in his bag during the assault:
Dave Chappelle's attacker won’t be charged with assault with a deadly weapon bc he did not brandish the weapon, but was carrying it in a bag. LA Dist. Atty. George Gascón’s office has declined to file felony charges against Isaiah Lee.https://t.co/6IlpdUwEuM
— Brianna Sacks (@bri_sacks) May 5, 2022
And detectives are still trying to determine how Lee was able to get by security at the Hollywood Bowl:
The Hollywood Bowl uses metal detectors to screen visitors.
Detectives were studying videos to see how an armed man was able to reach Dave Chappelle on stage.https://t.co/qHDX7mhcys
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 5, 2022
From the Los Angeles Times:
“LAPD sources said Lee, who was carrying a bag with the knife inside, was able to get past security searches and metal detectors. Despite not being credentialed, he got onto the stage without being challenged.”
"LAPD sources said Lee, who was carrying a bag with the knife inside, was able to get past security searches and metal detectors. Despite not being credentialed, he got onto the stage without being challenged" via @LAcrimes @MatthewOrmseth @Hannahnfry https://t.co/3eIhnJNq2P
— Nardine Saad (@NardineSaad) May 5, 2022
Amazing. An assault by an armed man who breached multiple levels of security to attack someone and it’s only a misdemeanor? Seek help, Los Angeles.
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