Man Arrested for Throwing Tomatoes at Sarah Palin

Updated December 07, 2009

Man Arrested for Throwing Tomatoes at Sarah Palin, Police Say
FOXNews.com

The incident happened during a book signing at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

A man was arrested for allegedly throwing two tomatoes at Sarah Palin from the second floor balcony during a book signing event at the Mall of America in Minnesota, MyFoxTwinCities.com. reported.

Neither tomato came close hitting the former 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, but did hit a police officer in the face, the station reported.

The unidentified man may face charges for assaulting a police officer, according to the station.

Die-hard supporters treated the event like another Black Friday, lining up outside in freezing weather before the mall doors opened at 5 a.m.

Emily Calhoon, a high school junior from Minnetonka, took the day off school with a group of fellow students and arrived at 4:45 a.m. Calhoon, 16, said she likes Palin's conservatism.

"She's a lot more relatable than the stereotypical old rich white male," said Calhoon as she waited in line, clutching a copy of Palin's memoir of her life and political career, "Going Rogue."

The former Alaska governor arrived just before noon. Wearing her trademark red, she took the stage joined by her husband Todd and carrying their son, Trig.
Palin did not address the crowd and did not take questions from the large contingent of reporters. She started signing books immediately.

Fans wanting a signed copy had to purchase it from Barnes & Noble, the event's sponsor. Most in line had two copies.

Barnes & Noble would not reveal the number of books it sold at its Mall of America store for the event.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.