San Jose mayor's security detail violently assaulted during on-camera interview, suspect in custody

California police arrested a man on felony battery charges after he allegedly assaulted a member of San Jose Matt Mahan's security detail. The violent altercation was captured on video, which has since gone viral.  

The incident occurred on Tuesday when Mayor Mahan was being interviewed by a KRON 4 reporter in downtown San Jose, officials said.   

Video footage shows the suspect strolling past Mahan during the interview. The suspect then approached the mayor's protection detail. The suspect and the mayor had a verbal altercation, during which the mayor informed the suspect that he was in the middle of an interview.  

The suspect proceeded to have an exchange with Mahan's security guard, who is a police officer with the San Jose Police Department and said, "Mind your f-cking business."  

"I was going to do what the f-ck I was going to do right before you walked up to me," the suspect said in the footage.   

The altercation then turned physical after the suspect threatened to smack the police officer.  

A physical fight broke out between the two, which lasted for several minutes until bystanders intervened to help the security officer who was later transported to the hospital after sustaining unspecified injuries, per the KRON 4.   

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said in a statement on Wednesday that the suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on multiple charges including felony battery on a police officer, the outlet reports.  
 
Mahan was not physically harmed during the incident, officials said. His office stated in response to the incident, “Mayor Matt Mahan is deeply grateful to his security detail and the entire San Jose Police Department. The actions of the Officer tonight were heroic and a testament to the deescalation training that makes our officers effective, compassionate and stewards of community trust. His thoughts are with the Officer and he hopes for a speedy recovery." 
 
"The Mayor understands how privileged he is to have an armed officer protecting him at all times, and is resolved in his commitment to create a safer city for everyone. That means hiring more police officers and addressing the root causes of crime, including by intervening earlier and more effectively in cycles of addiction, mental illness and violence," the office added.