Bush Children's Book Event Crashed by Man Assaulting Girl in Wheelchair

A man was arrested in New York for repeatedly punching a wheel-chair bound girl with cerebral palsy. The man heckled First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna as they left an event promoting the Bushes new children's book, "Read All About It." The man, later identified as 22 year old German Talis, yelled obscenities about Iraq as well as Iran.

Wendy and John Lovetro, who were with their daughter Maureen at the event, told Talis to shut up. At that point, he attacked Maureen.

"He began yelling about Iraq and Iran at Jenna Bush. She was waving at the crowd. I told the guy, 'What are you doing? Shut up. This is about a child and books,' "said John Lovetro. "He was unperturbed. I said, 'Get out of here! You're being a moron!' "

The next thing he knew, Talis was allegedly punching Maureen - a fan of the first lady since meeting her in 2004.

"I heard my daughter hysterical yelling, 'He's hitting me!' "said Wendy Lovetro.

"He punched her on the shoulder blades, but that wasn't enough," she said.

"My husband pushed the wheelchair away from him and he reached beyond my husband and began pounding my daughter in the thigh."

At that point, John Lovetro began fighting with Talis. Before long, the police broke up the fight and arrested Talis. John Lovetro was not arrested.

This story is disturbing on a number of levels. First, to be violent towards a complete stranger at a public event (complete with Secret Service agents) is astonishing. Secondly, Talis didn't even attack the person who had verbally engaged him! Perhaps he thought Maureen had made the comments, or perhaps he was just looking to get his anger out on somebody who he didn't think could fight back.

Regardless of his reasons, Talis' actions are absolutely reprehensible. There is no excuse for what he did and I hope that he receives punishment by the full extent of the law.

Story here