More than 200 people have contributed nearly $5,000 to help cover the legal fees for a man accused of throwing water on U.S. Rep. Steve King.

The campaign on the GoFundMe website for Blake Gibbins, 26, surpassed its goal of $3,000, reaching $4,979 by Wednesday because of donations from 249 people.

Gibbins is scheduled to go to trial April 30.

Gibbins was arrested March 22 — and the campaign was created the same day — in Fort Dodge after he allegedly poured water on King, a 69-year-old Republican congressman, as he was having a group lunch.

"I’ve known Blake since we were kids," organizer Carly Johansen wrote in the GoFundMe description. "I’m part of King’s constituency, so Blake’s actions really resonated with me.

"The hope is to cover legal fees, fines, and court costs Blake might incur in his fight against Steve King."

Paul Statler, an attorney for Gibbins, said Wednesday that Gibbins grew up with Johansen and that they were friends, although they were not close. Johansen told Gibbins about the campaign and he asked to not be involved, Statler said.

Gibbins, who lives in Colorado but grew up in Jefferson, is grateful for the money, but did not expect or ask for the campaign, Statler said.

Gibbins has not responded to requests for an interview and Johansen declined to talk about the GoFundMe, per Gibbins' request, she said in a Facebook message.

Statler said he would not comment on the merits of the charges, but hoped the matter would be resolved before trial.

“There’s a lot of information that was not disclosed, and a lot of it is based just on what law enforcement reported," Statler said. "We’re leaving out some details that I think are important and will come to light."

More Iowa news:

Fort Dodge police said Gibbins approached King about 12:30 p.m. Friday at Mineral City Mill and Grill. He asked King who he was, the Kiron politician replied, and Gibbins threw a glass of water on King and Burlyn Allen Purcoy of West Des Moines, according to court documents filed by prosecutors.

Police believe King was targeted because of his role as a congressman. Gibbins did not know King was going to be at the restaurant, police say, and was in Iowa visiting family.

Gibbins has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and one count of disorderly conduct. He has posted bond and is next due in court on April 29.

“There’s already been a lot of media exposure and it’s kind of turning into a trial by public opinion, and that’s what we’re wanting to avoid," Statler said.

A no-contact order has been placed between Gibbins and the victims. King's Washington office has not responded to multiple calls and email requests for comment.

Follow the Register on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at 515-284-8378, tjdavis@dmreg.com or on Twitter @TDavisDMR.