Hunter
06/07/22
After multiple trial delays, an Iowa City protest leader accused of trying to blind police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020 has pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers the day before his jury trial.
Iowa Courts records indicate that 26-year-old Matthew Bruce of Iowa City initially faced 15 counts; 9 of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and 6 of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations causing Bodily Injury. On August 31st 2020, Bruce was at a protest at the University of Iowa’s President’s Residence when he allegedly pointed a laser beam into the eyes of multiple officers, causing injuries which needed medical treatment. He reportedly ran when officers approached him, and they located him later that night on the 100 block of South Linn Street.
The 9 counts of assault were dismissed by the court on January 14th, 2021, but defendant’s motion to set aside and dismiss the remaining six charges was denied. Jury trial was originally scheduled for June 22nd of last year, then delayed to September 28th, December 14th, February 8th and finally today, June 7th.
On Monday, Bruce entered a plea of guilty on the six remaining charges. A sentencing date has yet to be set, but he faces up to twelve years in prison if convicted on all counts.