U.S. Park Police arrested a man on Thursday afternoon at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall following multiple witness reports of an alleged lewd act during a live performance. Gian Rachtelli, 54, was taken into custody and charged with one count of lewd, indecent or obscene acts. The incident took place during a Cirque Mechanics performance at the fair, an event part of the nation's 250th-anniversary celebration, which President Donald Trump officially opened earlier this week.
According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the National Mall around 3:50 p.m. after another law enforcement agency working the event received complaints about a man allegedly "doing inappropriate things during a performance." Upon arrival behind one of the performance stages, U.S. Park Police officers found Rachtelli already being detained while investigators interviewed witnesses regarding the incident.
Three witnesses independently reported what they believed was a sexual act. One witness informed police that Rachtelli returned for a second performance and appeared to place his hand inside his pants while standing near the stage. A second witness recounted that a female member of the acrobat troupe approached them, expressing concern about the man's behavior, and alleged he was making lewd gestures while observing the performers. A third witness, who stated they were standing directly behind Rachtelli, told investigators that he was filming the female performers before placing his hand inside his pants and making repeated back-and-forth movements that appeared to be an act of self-gratification. Based on these witness statements, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Rachtelli.
The incident report did not include any statement from Rachtelli responding to the allegations. Police body camera footage captured portions of the incident, though the responding officer noted in the report that the footage had not yet been reviewed before the report was completed. Rachtelli has been identified online by supporters as "Manny," a MAGA livestreamer whose broadcast from the fair reportedly concluded shortly before police approached him.
Following news of the arrest, several supporters defended Rachtelli on social media, asserting the allegations were false and claiming his livestream footage would corroborate his account of the incident. The arrest adds to a series of controversies surrounding the Great American State Fair, which has faced criticism since its opening this week. The event has drawn scrutiny over performer cancellations, attendance figures, and food prices, according to reports.
Several performers withdrew from the event prior to its opening day after learning of its ties to the Trump administration. Social media users have also shared photographs depicting what they described as sparse crowds and limited attractions. The fair, which President Donald Trump officially inaugurated with a ceremony celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, is scheduled to run through July 10. It features exhibits representing all 50 states and six U.S. territories, alongside concerts, demonstrations, and various family attractions.
Rachtelli’s case will proceed through the court system as authorities continue their investigation into the incident. The allegations detailed in the police report have not been proven in court, and Rachtelli, like all criminal defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The legal process will determine the veracity of the claims made against him.
