Was Tim Kaine’s Son Arrested at Trump Rally? Truth Behind the Viral Claim

A recent Facebook post claiming that Linwood Michael Kaine, son of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, was arrested as part of an Antifa group at a pro-Trump rally in Minnesota has circulated widely, sparking debate over its accuracy.

The post stated: “Linwood Michael Kaine was arrested during an anti-Trump protest in Minnesota in 2017 on suspicion of felony second-degree riot. He was among a group of Antifa protesters who disrupted a rally supporting President Trump.”

In March 2017, Linwood “Woody” Kaine, then 24, was arrested outside the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul during a demonstration held alongside a march supporting then-President Donald Trump. Kaine was one of several people taken into custody after the protest became violent, according to reports by the BBC and local outlet Pioneer Press.

Kaine was initially charged with felony-level second-degree rioting. However, officials later dropped the charges, citing “insufficient facts to prove felony-level riot”, and Kaine was released from police custody.

Senator Tim Kaine, through a spokesman, acknowledged the incident, stating that he and his wife do not necessarily support their children’s political views but stand up for their right to express them.

Further details emerged later in 2017, after Minnesota courts settled the case. The Associated Press reported that Linwood Kaine ultimately pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor obstruction charge. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 86 days suspended, meaning he served just four days. He also received probation and was ordered to pay $236 in fines and fees. Two other misdemeanor counts were dismissed.

According to a criminal complaint, Kaine and others had worn black clothing and entered the Capitol building during the protest. He allegedly resisted arrest when officers tried to detain him. Investigators noted that a smoke bomb was reportedly thrown during the incident but found no evidence that Kaine had used one.

Contrary to claims in the viral Facebook post, there is no evidence that Linwood Kaine was a member of Antifa. Authorities did not charge him with any crimes related to extremist violence, and no official reports or legal documents describe him as an Antifa member.

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