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Suspect says smashing Trump's star was 'right and just act'

Austin Clay pleaded not guilty to a felony vandalism charge Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Credit: David McNew
HOLLYWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 26: A worker sprinkles water as repairs are made on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after it was vandalized by a protester on October 26, 2016 in Hollywood, California.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man accused of smashing President Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame called it a "rightful and just act."

Austin Clay pleaded not guilty to a felony vandalism charge Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Prosecutors say Clay took a pickax to Trump's star on Hollywood Boulevard on July 25. It recognizes Trump for his work on the TV reality show "The Apprentice." It has been repaired.

Clay spoke to reporters outside the courthouse Wednesday. He says he wanted to "bring about positive political change" and doesn't believe prosecutors should have brought charges against him.

Clays says he thinks the "repercussions of it were only positive."

If convicted, he could face up to three years behind bars.

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