Randy Horton Jr., 53, was found guilty of Assault Inflicting Serious Injury against 73-year-old Norman Rabek after a disposition hearing held on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Yancey County District Court. Horton had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at Burnsville’s main square during a "No Kings" rally.
Details of the Incident and Conviction
According to reports from the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office and witness accounts presented to the court:
Horton, a counter-protester, was involved in an escalating confrontation with rally participants.
The incident that led to the charge involved Horton exiting his vehicle and making physical contact with the victim, Mr. Rabek.
Evidence presented suggested Horton shoved Mr. Rabek, causing the 73-year-old to fall and sustain a serious head injury upon hitting the pavement. Rabek required medical attention following the assault.
District Court Judge Alexandria Leake reviewed the evidence, found Horton guilty, and issued the following sentence:
A minimum of 75 days in prison.
An order to have no contact with the victim, Norman Rabek, for a period of one year.
WNCTimes
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