By Khalida Sarwari
A 61-year-old man dressed as a woman allegedly pepper-sprayed a musician performing at the Santa Clara Convention Center Sunday evening, police said today.
During the 8 p.m. show, San Jose resident Tong Ly approached musician Hung Vinh Dam as if he were giving him a flower, police said. When the performer attempted to take the gift, Ly sprayed him with the chemical irritant, according to police.
The pepper spray affected several concertgoers and another female performer in the vicinity, but no one was injured, police said.
The incident disrupted and delayed the program for about 15 minutes because the audience of several hundred people had to be temporarily evacuated, Lt. Phil Cooke said.
Santa Clara firefighters responded to provide first aid, and the venue was ventilated.
Police believe the assault was politically motivated.
Santa Clara police officers at the venue arrested Ly and booked him into Santa Clara County’s main jail on several charges, including burglary, using offensive material in a public place, illegal use of a chemical agent, resisting arrest, assault and battery, and removal of a serial number on a canister.
Ly is being held on $52,000 bail and will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in San Jose.