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St. Augustine man accused of slapping reporter's hand at Trump rally

Orlando Sentinel reporter recorded confrontation, then man turned on him

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man arrested Tuesday outside the arena as President Donald Trump was announcing his bid for reelection is accused of trying to slap a cellphone out the hand of an Orlando Sentinel journalist.

The Orlando Police Department said Daniel Kestner, 51, of St. Augustine, is facing a battery charge for hitting the hand of Orlando Sentinel reporter Michael Williams outside the Amway Center.

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Kestner (booking photo, right) has since bonded out of the Orange County jail.

No one was at Kestner's St. Augustine home when News4Jax went there Wednesday afternoon. Media outlets in Orlando are reporting that Kestner said that he is sorry.

The arrest report said Williams was videotaping Kestner arguing with another man outside the Amway Center. In a tweet, Williams said he was recording Kestner, a Trump supporter, being kicked out of the arena Tuesday evening. Police said Kestner smelled of alcohol.

WATCH: Orlando Sentinel video of confrontation |
RELATED: President kicks off 2020 campaign in Orlando

Kestner spoke with WKMG-TV's Mike DeForest at a Wahlburgers Burger Restaurant hours before his arrest.

"I'm thinking I love Trump and I just want to speak my mind and show my support for Trump and that's what I'm here for," Kestner said.

Williams tweeted that he is "100% OK" after what happened.  

"I appreciate all the well wishes and kind words," his tweet continued.

In a separate incident, a Haines City man was arrested for disorderly conduct for shoving another man about a block from the arena.


About the Authors
Corley Peel headshot

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.

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