SIOUX CITY, Iowa — A Colorado man who threw a cup of water on Iowa Congressman Steve King has been sentenced to two years of probation.
The sentence was handed down Thursday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to Blake Gibbins, of Lafayette, Colo. He’d pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on a member of Congress. Gibbins also must perform 200 hours of community service.
Gibbins admitted in a plea agreement that he approached a table at a Fort Dodge restaurant on March 22 last year and threw a cup of water at King. The Republican congressman was seated with others.
Gibbins’ attorney has said Gibbins’ actions were out of character and may have resulted from recent emotional pressure. Gibbins was in Iowa for a family funeral when he approached King, and Gibbins had no criminal history.
Gibbins spoke briefly to the judge before sentencing, saying that throwing water on King was “a rare and unique decision.”
“I spent a lot of time considering what my actions mean to me and the public,” Gibbins said.
King has gained national attention for his comments on many topics, especially those related to race and immigration.
The congressman declined to comment after Gibbins’ sentencing, a spokesman said.
