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.”
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"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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