Key Takeaways

• A man faces a felony assault charge after he allegedly spat on National Guard troops outside Union Station.
• The incident occurred on Aug. 22 as the man rode past two soldiers on an electric scooter.
• Video shows the suspect riding by and soldiers reacting, but it doesn’t clearly show spit.
• This is the second alleged incident since federal troops were deployed, following the “Sandwich Guy” sandwich throw.

A man is charged with felony assault after he allegedly tried to spit on National Guard troops from South Carolina. Because saliva can carry disease, spitting on service members counts as a serious crime. Yet the video of the moment does not clearly show anything leaving his mouth. Consequently, questions remain as investigators sort through facts and footage.

The Spitting Incident at Union Station

On a summer Friday afternoon, two National Guard soldiers stood guard outside Union Station in Washington, D.C. As they watched the crowd, an electric scooter approached. The soldier on duty was Sergeant Robert Underwood. He says he heard a “cough-like noise” just before the man passed by.

Underwood claims the suspect, later identified as Scott J. Pichon, spit “a mixture of saliva and mucus” toward both soldiers. Allegedly, the spit landed on their chests and faces. Even so, Pichon did not stop his scooter. Instead, he sped away down the street.

According to court filings spotted by a Reuters legal reporter, the Justice Department statement of facts outlines these allegations. However, the surveillance video from Union Station does not clearly show spit flying. Instead, it shows Pichon riding by while the soldiers step back, appear startled, and wipe their uniforms.

Understanding the Felony Assault Charge

Spitting on federal troops is a crime. First, it can spread illness. Second, it counts as an assault when aimed at a person in service. The Justice Department treats it seriously. Thus, Pichon faces a felony assault charge. If convicted, he could face prison time, fines, or probation.

Charged defendants can fight back. They may argue the act never happened. In this case, the video’s lack of clear spit could help his defense. Yet the soldiers’ statements carry weight. It now falls to a judge or jury to decide what really happened.

Background: Federal Troops in D.C.

This incident marks the second alleged assault on federal troops since a large National Guard force arrived in Washington, D.C. last month. The deployment followed orders from the former president. Critics called the move an “occupation force.” Some D.C. residents worried about the heavy troop presence.

The first high-profile case involved a Justice Department lawyer. He tossed a sandwich at federal officers during a protest. That moment spawned street art. Over the weekend, posters of “Sandwich Guy” popped up. Inspired by a famous Banksy painting, the original red rose bundle was replaced by a giant submarine sandwich.

Legal Steps and Next Moves

Scott J. Pichon will appear in federal court for his arraignment. He will hear the formal charges, and the judge will set bail conditions. If Pichon cannot post bail, he may remain in custody until trial. Otherwise, he could be released with restrictions, such as no contact with military personnel.

Both sides will gather evidence. The defense could ask for higher video quality or new angles. They may also call character witnesses. The prosecution will rely on the soldiers’ statements and any physical evidence, like mucus samples. They might also use the testimony of the surveillance team at Union Station.

Why This Case Matters

First, it tests how we treat acts of minor violence against troops. Spitting carries a risk of disease spread. Second, public reaction to this and similar incidents shows changing attitudes toward federal forces in the capital. Some call for a more respectful protest. Others worry about free speech limits.

Moreover, the video’s unclear nature highlights a modern court challenge. In many cases, footage helps or hurts a case. Yet when the video leaves doubt, human recollection and credibility become crucial. This situation resembles other controversial incidents where video evidence did not capture every detail.

Public Reaction and Social Media

News of the charge spread quickly. Social media users debated both the alleged crime and the broader military presence in D.C. Some said spitting is never acceptable, especially on soldiers. Others argued that a single video frame should not decide a felony charge.

Meanwhile, the “Sandwich Guy” posters remain in the city. They serve as a creative protest symbol. In that case, the justice system also responded. The sandwich thrower faced trial. Many local artists and activists now watch Pichon’s case closely, hoping to see how the courts will handle less clear video evidence.

Lessons for Community Safety

Regardless of the outcome, authorities stress the need for calm public behavior. Military and police officers protect the public. In return, they deserve respect. Spitting, throwing objects, or other assaults can escalate and harm everyone. Even small acts can lead to felony charges.

Communities also learn to document events. If you record an incident, try to get different angles. Clear lighting and stable frames help courts decide. Yet be safe: Do not interfere with law enforcement or risk injury.

What Happens Next

Pichon’s defense team will likely request discovery materials soon. This includes the raw video footage and police reports. Meanwhile, the prosecution will share its evidence. Both sides may meet to discuss plea options. If Pichon pleads guilty, he might accept a lighter sentence. If he rejects an offer, the case will go to trial.

Trials can last days or weeks, depending on witness schedules. During that period, more video analysis experts might appear. They could testify about what really shows on the footage. In the end, a jury or judge will decide whether Pichon did spit on National Guard soldiers. Then, they will hand down a verdict and a possible sentence.

FAQs

What is the main charge against the suspect?

He is charged with felony assault for allegedly spitting on National Guard members on duty.

Why is spitting on a soldier a felony?

Spitting can spread disease and counts as an assault on a protected federal service member.

Does the video prove the crime?

The video shows the suspect riding by and the soldiers reacting, but it does not clearly show spit.

Who will decide the outcome of the case?

A federal judge or jury will review evidence and testimony before reaching a verdict.