An Illinois man in a “Not Great” parody MAGA hat was arrested for using pepper spray on security personnel at The Heritage Foundation, claiming in court that the officers weren’t “real police” despite facing serious assault charges.
Key Takeaways
- Nathaniel Craig Wetter Taylor from Champaign, Illinois, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault on police officers after allegedly pepper-spraying security personnel at The Heritage Foundation.
- Judge Robert Hildum released Taylor on personal recognizance with conditions including mandatory pre-trial check-ins and orders to stay away from The Heritage Foundation property.
- Security footage shows Taylor attempting to enter the conservative think tank’s headquarters and using pepper spray when security attempted to move him to the sidewalk.
- The incident occurred amid broader protests in Washington, D.C., coinciding with President Trump’s parade and related events.
- Heritage Foundation COO Eric Korsvall condemned the attack as crossing the line from peaceful protest to unacceptable violence.
Assault at Conservative Think Tank Headquarters
Capitol Police arrested Nathaniel Craig Wetter Taylor after he allegedly assaulted two security personnel with pepper spray outside The Heritage Foundation headquarters. The incident occurred as Taylor, wearing a red hat resembling a “Make America Great Again” hat but reading “Not Great,” attempted to push past security at the conservative think tank. When security personnel tried to move him to the sidewalk, Taylor allegedly responded by deploying pepper spray directly at the officers, resulting in his immediate arrest and charges of assault on law enforcement officers.
“The assault on two of our security guards this morning by a far-left agitator protesting at Heritage since Sunday is unacceptable and not tolerated. The safety of our staff, guests, and security team is non-negotiable,” said Eric Korsvall, chief operating officer at The Heritage Foundation.
Security footage from the scene clearly shows Taylor attempting to enter the Heritage Foundation building before the confrontation escalated. The footage, reviewed by law enforcement, supports the assault charges that Taylor now faces in court. The incident represents a concerning escalation from the protests that have been occurring outside the think tank in recent days, transitioning from verbal demonstrations to physical confrontation with security personnel tasked with protecting the organization’s staff and property.
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
During his court appearance, Taylor entered a not guilty plea to the charges of assaulting law enforcement officers. When addressed by Judge Robert Hildum about the seriousness of using pepper spray against police officers, Taylor attempted to dispute the characterization of the security personnel, stating, “I don’t understand them to be police officers, and that’s all I have to say for now.” This response suggests Taylor may be attempting to challenge the legal classification of the security personnel as a potential defense strategy.
“Using pepper spray on police officers is a very bad idea,” Judge Robert Hildum warned during the court proceedings.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Judge Hildum released Taylor on his recognizance, though with specific conditions. Taylor must comply with regular pre-trial check-ins and is explicitly prohibited from returning to The Heritage Foundation grounds. The judge made it clear that any violation of these conditions would result in immediate revocation of his release. The court’s decision balances the defendant’s rights with public safety concerns, while emphasizing the serious legal consequences of using chemical agents against law enforcement or security personnel.
Growing Pattern of Protest Confrontations
This incident at The Heritage Foundation occurs against a backdrop of escalating protests across multiple American cities. The specific timing coincides with President Trump’s parade and related events in Washington, D.C., suggesting a coordinated effort by opposition groups to demonstrate against conservative institutions. The pattern of protests turning violent has become increasingly common, with similar incidents reported in Los Angeles, Austin, and other major metropolitan areas where demonstrations against federal policies have resulted in confrontations with law enforcement.
“Ironically, the very protesters spewing hate at Heritage are often the same ones proudly displaying the virtue-signaling ‘Hate has no home here’ signs,” Korsvall said. “Fortunately, the only ‘home’ the assailant will see tonight is a jail cell as he awaits a hearing. We call on the U.S. Attorney to prosecute this assailant for his unlawful behavior.”
The Heritage Foundation has emphasized its support for First Amendment rights while drawing a clear distinction between peaceful protest and physical confrontation. Their leadership has taken a firm stance on the incident, condemning the violence and calling for full prosecution. This case highlights the tension between protecting free speech rights and maintaining safety and order at institutions that have become focal points for political demonstrations in the current polarized climate. As Taylor’s case proceeds through the legal system, it may establish important precedents for how similar confrontations are handled in the future.
