Man charged with pepper-spraying Confederate re-enactors

A man pepper-sprayed Civil War re-enactors during a reunion parade and was arrested, police have said. 

Officials also found a loaded gun in his possession.

Karl Smith, 56, of Morganton, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault.

Authorities say he assaulted the Confederate re-enactors Thursday afternoon during the 2017 Soldiers Reunion parade in Newton, North Carolina, where thousands gathered to watch.

According to a police report, Smith sprayed the re-enactors when they stopped to fire their weapons.

Two parade participants notified officials around 5.30pm about Smith’s actions.

Police seized a small canister of pepper spray and a loaded .38-caliber revolver for which Smith had a valid concealed-weapon permit.

Authorities say Smith (right) assaulted the Confederate re-enactors during the 2017 Soldiers Reunion parade in Newton, North Carolina. Two re-enactors were treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene

Police seized a small canister of pepper spray and a loaded .38-caliber revolver for which Smith had a valid concealed-weapon permit

Two re-enactors were treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and did not need to be taken to the hospital.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans were among a number of groups in the parade. 

Police said this was the only incident during the entire week of reunion events. 

It is unclear if Smith had an attorney when he was charged. He was released and promised to appear before a magistrate, WSOC TV reported.

Newton is about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte.

According to a police report, Smith sprayed re-enactors when they stopped to fire their weapons during the parade