Florida authorities drop battery charges against Trump campaign manager

There is not enough evidence to prosecute Donald Trump’s campaign manager on a misdemeanor battery following an incident with a reporter in Florida, according to reports.

The Republican presidential candidate’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was arrested on March 29 in Jupiter and charged for allegedly grabbing and bruising the arm of Michelle Fields, who worked as a reporter for Breitbart at the time.

“Mr. Lewandowski is absolutely innocent of this charge,” Trump’s campaign said in a statement following the arrest. “He will enter a plea of not guilty and looks forward to his day in court. He is completely confident that he will be exonerated.”

The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office said in court documents on Thursday that there was insufficient evidence in the case,NBC News reported.

The incident occurred when Fields tried to question Trump at a campaign event on March 8.

“Although there was probable cause to make an arrest, the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution,” said the court filing by the office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg, a Democrat.

Aronberg’s office had said it faced a legally higher standard than law enforcement. State prosecutor’s offices must show proof of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction.

Law enforcement can bring charges on probable cause.

Police released a video of the incident showing Fields walking alongside Trump. Lewandowski, 42, is seen grabbing her arm and pulling her backward.

Trump’s rallies across the United States have been marked by rowdiness and physical contact between protesters and either his supporters or security personnel.

Reuters contributed to this report.