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Suspect: Damaging Trump's Hollywood Star Was 'Right And Just Act'

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The man accused of smashing President Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame says his actions were a "rightful and just act."

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

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

Clay spoke to reporters outside the courthouse on 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.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press.

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