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Court case wrapping for man accused of assaulting reporter at Vancouver Trump rally

CBC photojournalist Ben Nelms was punched in the face while covering the January 2021 Donald Trump rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
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Man about to punch CBC photojournalist Ben Nelms in the face at a rally on Jan. 6, 2020

Lawyers are in discussions for a resolution in the assault case of a man accused of attacking a CBC reporter at a Vancouver Trump rally, a Downtown Community Court judge heard March 21.

Chris Savva is accused of assaulting CBC journalist Ben Nelms.

Nelms was attacked as protesters were gathered on the sidewalk in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Jan 6, 2021, the day of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Some held signs saying "TRUMP 2020," others waved U.S. flags with the country's Second Amendment about the right to bear arms scrawled on them, and some paraded placards proclaiming "BIBLE OVER LOGIC OVER SCIENCE 100%."

Around the protest's midway point, one person lunged at photojournalist Nelms and punched him in the face. The attacker then walked away.

Savva was charged on Dec. 13 and released on conditions.

His case returned to court on March 21 with lawyer Eric Purtzki telling Judge Patrick Doherty that the defence has been in talks with the Crown aimed at a resolution.

Purtzki did not tell what that resolution might be.

Savva did not appear in court.

His lawyer is Matt Smith, for whom Purtzki appeared due to the former being ill.

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