Man Slashes Arm to Show Support for Gov. Edwards
NEW ORLEANS — A man protesting the federal racketeering and fraud trial of Gov. Edwin W. Edwards today slashed his left forearm with a broken soft drink bottle, shouting “I’d die for Edwin Edwards!”
The incident occurred on the federal courthouse steps as jury selection resumed in the trial.
KLFY-TV reporter Dee Stanley said the man, identified as Leonard Williams, 52, complained about Edwards’ trial and the media coverage and said he would show his support the only way he could.
Jabbing his arm with the broken bottle, Williams said, “He’s my governor and I’d give my blood for him.”
As federal marshals tried to restrain Williams, he hurled himself face down on the courthouse steps. He was taken to a hospital psychiatric ward.
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