Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer has announced charges against the man who allegedly attacked Dave Chappelle, after the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office declined to file felony charges against the suspect.
Feuer charged Isaiah Lee, 23, on Thursday with four misdemeanor counts, including battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance, and commission of an act that delays an event or interferes with a performer.
“What should have been an evening of laughter at the Hollywood Bowl this past Tuesday night was suddenly interrupted when suspect Isaiah Lee allegedly charged onto the stage and tackled comedian Dave Chappelle,” Feuer said in a video posted on Twitter. “This alleged attack has got to have consequences.”
Related Story: Dave Chappelle Rep Addresses ‘Unsettling’ Attack at Netflix Comedy Festival
?BREAKING: City Attorney Mike Feuer announces charges against Dave Chappelle’s alleged attacker. pic.twitter.com/OiMh8ZWftX
— The Office of Mike Feuer, L.A. City Attorney (@CityAttorneyLA) May 5, 2022
Feuer, who is running for mayor of L.A., also took a swipe at the district attorney’s office, without mentioning the DA by name
“My office takes protecting public safety extremely seriously and we are going to vigorously prosecute this case,” he said.
Hours before the charges were announced, the district attorney’s office issued a statement, saying it would not file any felony charges against Lee.
“After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct,” the statement said.
Lee, who was initially booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, remains jailed on $30,000 bail following the Tuesday night attack.
Authorities said he rushed the stage around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday while Chappelle was performing as part of the “Netflix Is A Joke” comedy festival. Lee allegedly tackled Chappelle and was carrying a replica gun with a retractable switchblade attached.
Lee appeared in court Friday in downtown Los Angeles and pleaded not guilty. He was ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from Chappelle.
Related Story: LAPD Releases Photos of Replica Gun With Knife from Dave Chappelle Attack
Video posted online showed Chappelle being thrown to the ground, while security rushed in and removed the suspect. Among those running to protect Chappelle was actor and comedian Jamie Foxx. Chappelle was not injured.
It’s unclear how the suspect was able to carry a weapon into the venue.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, which oversees the Hollywood Bowl, said Thursday they plan to increase security at the iconic facility following the incident.
“We have implemented additional security measures, including an increased number of security personnel on-site to assist with bag checks and other security procedures,” the organization said in a statement. “The safety of our artists, visitors and staff is the LA Phil’s top priority.”
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