The complaint states police identified the suspect as Zak X, who was participating as a counterprotester and was livestreaming the event. Officers say X was recording protesters and allegedly pointed his camera at a child, prompting the child’s father to push the phone away.

Police say X then punched the man in the nose, breaking it and requiring surgery. Officers arrested X at the scene and found he was wearing a bulletproof vest under his sweatshirt and carrying a can of OC spray. His left hand was bleeding, and he received medical attention.

Police later searched X’s vehicle and found a loaded Sabre airsoft gun, two packages of projectiles, THC cigarettes, a pepper spray keychain, Mechanix "Mpact" gloves and a black facemask. The gloves matched those worn during the assault, and are marketed for military and law enforcement use.

The criminal complaint notes X admitted to punching the man but claimed self-defense, saying the man "lunged" for his phone. Video reviewed by police showed the man advancing toward X, and making a swinging motion at the phone. Police say X had space to retreat before punching.

X has a pending assault case from December 2025, and is currently in custody. Officers say the protest had drawn a crowd and tensions were high between protesters and counterprotesters.

According to the complaint, X told officers he wore body armor and carried chemical irritant because he is a "public figure" and believed he needed protection. Police say both social media and bystander videos were reviewed as part of the investigation.

X faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each felony count if convicted.