Maine Man Allegedly Used Plow To Throw Snow On Protesters

A Maine man is facing charges for allegedly using a snow plow to hurl snow and ice at a group of protesters, police said.

The Rockland Police Department said 65-year-old Michael Robinson was arrested Saturday for allegedly driving a snow plow alongside approximately 75 protesters Chapman Park. According to police, the plow hurled show and ice at people with enough force that some were knocked to the ground.

Robinson was booked into the Knox County Jail on charges of felony reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and driving to endanger.

The weekly protests against “fascism” organized by The Audacity C.A.T. (Creative Action Together) have been going on for a little more than a year, with participants primarily carrying signs decrying U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, along with various messages about the Epstein Files, pro-LGBTQ messages and more.

Police said that while there have been “very few” incidents over that time, there has been a recent uptick in “criminal activity.” Late last month, a banner was “maliciously stolen” in an incident that remains under investigation, and on Feb. 14, one person was charged with assault after an argument turned physical.

“The Rockland Police Department maintains that while we support the right to peaceful assembly, we will not tolerate violence, theft, or any criminal behavior intended to intimidate or harm members of our community,” police said. “To ensure the safety of our community, the public will notice an increased police presence during upcoming events. We will not tolerate acts of violence, theft, or assault and our priority is to ensure that every individual can exercise their rights safely and without fear of being targeted by criminal acts for their beliefs.”