Full Breakdown
Maine Man Charged After Video Shows Journalist Shoved at Bangor Protest
7/10/2026, 3:54:25 PM
Assault at a Bangor Demonstration
A video posted online shows The Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol being pushed by a man during a protest in Bangor, Maine, that featured anti-Trump sentiment. In the footage, Sokol asks the individual why he “just assaulted” him, and the man replies, “I didn’t see you.” The incident occurred as Sokol was interviewing demonstrators; a woman nearby apologizes, saying, “I’m sorry, we don’t do that.” The video does not capture any exchange beyond the brief confrontation, and the motives behind the shove remain unclear.
Police Confirmation and Legal Action
Bangor police identified the man as 78-year-old Ronald Staples of Holden. Authorities have filed a single assault charge against Staples. Police have not released further details about what preceded or followed the alleged assault. Fox News Digital contacted both Staples and The Maine Wire for comment but received no response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whoa, whoa, that’s assault,” — Joe Sokol
- “Excuse me, sir, would you like to tell me why you just assaulted me?” — Joe Sokol
- “When we find out that somebody is not a good person, we don’t vote for them,” — protester (woman with upside-down flag)
- “I’m sorry, we don’t do that,” — protester (woman apologizing)
Unresolved Details
Both reports note that the video leaves many questions unanswered. The exact trigger for the shove, any additional interactions, and the broader context of the protest’s organization have not been disclosed by law enforcement or the parties involved. Consequently, the incident’s full circumstances remain a gap in the public record.
