Another headline from the annals of judicial leniency.
A man has been convicted of felony assault with a deadly weapon after brandishing a knife at a state trooper during President Trump’s visit to North Carolina to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene last year, yet he has dodged prison time.
Leif Johnson, age 55, made quite the scene last October, targeting an elderly veteran in a wheelchair while shouting obscenities during the former president’s visit. When a 12-year-old attempted to intervene, Johnson crossed the line and spat on the young child.
In a dramatic turn of events, when Troopers moved in to escort him away, Johnson brandished a 4-inch knife, prompting law enforcement to physically subdue and disarm him.
Fast forward to last Thursday, when Johnson was found guilty on several felony charges, including two counts of assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon. But the court’s response was hardly in line with gravity of his actions.
Superior Court Judge Jacqueline D. Grant opted for two consecutive suspended sentences of 30 to 48 months in prison. However, Johnson will serve a mere 36 months of supervised probation instead.
According to reports from WLOS, in lieu of incarceration, Johnson is commanded to abide by a 15-day jail term, subject to the discretion of his probation officer. Additionally, he must attend an anger management course and is barred from any contact with his victims.
OUTRAGEOUS! A North Carolina man convicted of spitting on a child and threatening law enforcement during Trump’s visit faces no prison time pic.twitter.com/lo1cMb8yBh
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 6, 2025
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