OMAHA, Neb. - Assault charge for vet targeting Westboro group

OFF THE WIRE

navytimes.com
OMAHA, Neb. — An Omaha man who was accused of spraying mace into a crowd outside a funeral for a Marine killed in Afghanistan has been fined $300 for assault and battery.
Omaha television station KMTV reported on Thursday that a judge ordered George Vogel to pay $100 each on three counts. Vogel pleaded guilty in November.
Police say he sprayed mace as he drove past a church on Aug. 28. At least 16 people, including a police officer, were exposed.
Police were stationed at the funeral of Staff Sgt. Michael Bock to monitor a protest by the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, whose members believe U.S. troop deaths are God’s punishment for the nation’s tolerance of homosexuality.
Police say Vogel, a Vietnam veteran, was apparently targeting the Westboro members.