US election: Donald Trump aide charged with assault
Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event, the BBC reports.
Mr Lewandowski is charged with simple battery for his encounter with former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields.
On 8 March, he allegedly yanked her to the ground when she tried to ask a question and bruised her arm.
Mr Lewandowski plans to plead not guilty, the Trump campaign said in a statement.
Police in Jupiter, Florida, where he was arrested, have released new footage of the alleged assault.
"Mr Lewandowksi is absolutely innocent of this charge," the Trump statement said. "He is completely confident that he will be exonerated."
The charge comes during a difficult time for Mr Trump, just ahead of next week's Wisconsin primary where he is neck-and-neck with Senator Ted Cruz.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has just endorsed Mr Cruz for president.
He will participate in a CNN town hall event on Tuesday night when he is sure to face questions about the fate of his campaign manager.