A supporter of President Donald Trump was arrested at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall after multiple witnesses accused him of engaging in a lewd act during a live performance, according to U.S. Park Police.
Gian Rachtelli, 54, was taken into custody Thursday afternoon and charged with one count of lewd, indecent or obscene acts after three witnesses independently reported what they believed was a sexual act during a Cirque Mechanics performance.
According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the National Mall at approximately 3:50 p.m. after another law enforcement agency working the event received complaints about a man allegedly “doing inappropriate things during a performance.”
When U.S. Park Police officers arrived behind one of the performance stages, they found Rachtelli already being detained while investigators interviewed witnesses regarding the incident.
One witness told police Rachtelli returned for a second performance and appeared to place his hand inside his pants while standing near the stage.
A second witness said a female member of the acrobat troupe approached them after becoming concerned about the man’s behavior, alleging he was making lewd gestures while watching the performers.
A third witness, who said they had been standing directly behind Rachtelli, told investigators he was filming the female performers before placing his hand inside his pants and making repeated back-and-forth movements that appeared to be an act of self-gratification.
Based on those witness statements, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Rachtelli. The incident report did not include any statement from him responding to the allegations.
Police body camera footage captured portions of the incident, although the responding officer noted in the report that the footage had not yet been reviewed before the report was completed.
Rachtelli has been identified online by supporters as the MAGA livestreamer known as “Manny,” whose broadcast from the fair reportedly ended shortly before police approached him.
Following news of the arrest, several supporters defended Rachtelli on social media, arguing the allegations were false and claiming his livestream footage would support his account of the incident.
The arrest marks another controversy surrounding the Great American State Fair, which opened this week as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and has already drawn criticism over performer cancellations, attendance and food prices, per the Daily Mail.
Several performers withdrew from the event before opening day after learning of its ties to the Trump administration, while social media users have also criticized photographs showing what they described as sparse crowds and limited attractions.
The fair, which President Trump officially opened with a ceremony celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, is scheduled to continue through July 10 with exhibits representing all 50 states, six U.S. territories, concerts, demonstrations and family attractions.
Rachtelli’s case will proceed through the court system as authorities continue investigating the incident. The allegations contained in the police report have not been proven in court, and Rachtelli, like all criminal defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
