The guy got arrested, lost his job and had to hire a lawyer. Almost got charged with a felony assault, but the jury decided that he shouldn't be charged. Instead, later charged with a misdemeanor. I'd be super stressed about all of that, plus the trial and then having to wait 7 hours to find out I'm not guilty, but also incredibly happy after. However, all that and his name is forever associated with this incident, so despite no criminal history he might find future employment more challenging. He has probably been through quite a bit despite not being found guilty of a crime. I think that any person who is somehow inspired by doing what he did because he got away with it was always willing to do it anyway. Surely any reasonable person would realize how much he already had to go through which is enough of a deterrent. It was some degree of luck as well, even with similar or same circumstances it might up that another individual is charged and found guilty.
He's fairly lucky he doesn't have a criminal record, but it didn't come without consequences. I think the fact that the sandwich was still wrapped on the ground, hit the officer's shoulder, that the other police at the time were visibly amused during the incident, and clearly joking about it for several days after as well with the officer who had it happen to him, showed that the incident wasn't serious enough to ruin anyone's life over. A formal criminal conviction in the US would've made it hard for him to get employment for some time, if not the rest of his life.
> The guy got arrested, lost his job and had to hire a lawyer. Almost got charged with a felony assault, but the jury decided that he shouldn't be charged. Instead, later charged with a misdemeanor. I'd be super stressed about all of that, plus the trial and then having to wait 7 hours to find out I'm not guilty, but also incredibly happy after. However, all that and his name is forever associated with this incident, so despite no criminal history he might find future employment more challenging.
While it probably won't be with DoJ again (at least under this Administration), I don't think he's going to have much problem finding a job. Being associated with "this incident" I don't think is the kind of universal black mark you seem to think it is.
You are buried in the details. The guy is a hero who opposed a fascist takeover of the US government. He's not going to have any difficulty finding employment.
I will add I don’t think it’s morally fine, it’s just the system we have. They’re fine with it; if you get involved at all it can ruin your life. I can promise you this guy regrets the throw with every ounce of his soul, even if he doesn’t admit it publicly
> I can promise you this guy regrets the throw with every ounce of his soul, even if he doesn’t admit it publicly
It's possible he regrets it, but I wouldn't be sure at all. It could be the proudest moment of his life. He could have PTSD. There are many possibilities.
> This is probably fine with the prosecution
It's an embarrassment, so not at all fine. I doubt anyone is deterred. I wonder if we'll see copycat 'assaults' - I'm surprised we haven't.