Orland Park, IL – A 24-year-old Illinois man has been arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance in a voting line and assaulting an election 2024 official, according to police.
The incident occurred Sunday at approximately 11 a.m. at the Orland Park Township Office. Police identified the man as Daniel Schmidt. Officers were dispatched to the scene after reports that Schmidt was “causing a disturbance in the voting line,” according to a press release from the Orland Park Police Department.
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Alleged Confrontation and Assault on Election Judge
According to the police, Schmidt entered the building, bypassing other voters who were waiting in line. When an election judge at the entrance instructed Schmidt to go to the back of the line and wait his turn, Schmidt refused to comply. Another election judge was then called to assist in handling the situation, but Schmidt continued to decline the instructions.
“Schmidt attempted to push past the election judge and was blocked by the judge and other employees,” authorities said. In response, Schmidt reportedly “began yelling profanities” and then punched the election judge in the face, knocking off the judge’s glasses.
Several individuals in line intervened and managed to restrain Schmidt until officers arrived. When police entered the Township office, Schmidt reportedly attempted to resist arrest but was ultimately detained.
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Charges and Ongoing Investigation
At Orland Park Police Headquarters, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple charges against Schmidt, including:
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery to a victim over 60 (Class 3 Felony)
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery in a public place (Class 3 Felony)
- Five misdemeanor counts of Resisting Arrest
- One misdemeanor count of Disorderly Conduct
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Schmidt was held overnight and transported to the Bridgeview Courthouse for a detention hearing. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, authorities said.
