A 60-year-old from New York has been taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a supporter of former President Donald Trump inside a grocery store over a MAGA hat.
Victim attacked over MAGA hat
The victim, wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, was reportedly attacked by Robert Yott, who is accused of repeatedly striking the individual in the head and face, which left the person assaulted with a bloody mouth and broken teeth.
According to the Village of Bath Police Department, they were called to a disturbance at Tops Friendly Markets around 10 a.m. on November 1.
Police concluded that Yott initiated the altercation after becoming angry about the individual’s pro-Trump hat.
“Mr. Yott punched the victim in the mouth and head several times, causing the victim’s teeth to be broken and mouth bloody,” the department’s press release stated. “Mr. Yott was not known to the victim and this appears to be a random act of violence.”
Following the altercation, Yott was apprehended and is facing charges of second-degree assault, a Class D felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. He is currently being held at Steuben County Jail awaiting arraignment.
Voter assaults election official over MAGA hat
Elsewhere, in a separate incident, a 63-year-old man was detained for reportedly attacking a poll worker after an exchange over a “Make America Great Again” hat.
Jesse Lutzenberger allegedly hit the 69-year-old election official when asked to remove the hat due to Texas laws prohibiting campaign-related apparel within 100 feet of polling places.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lutzenberger entered Johnston Branch Library polling station wearing the hat but was initially compliant when told to remove it.
After casting his ballot, he put it back on and, upon being approached again by the same clerk, allegedly assaulted the worker, who later received medical treatment and was released.
Lutzenberger was arrested at his residence and now faces a third-degree felony charge for causing injury to an elderly person.
Bexar County Judge Sakai strongly criticized Lutzenberger’s actions, stating, “Violence has no place in our elections process. This type of behavior will absolutely not be tolerated. We will not allow anyone to disrupt the election process.”
“The overwhelming number of people casting their ballots are behaving responsibly and respectfully,” Sakai added.
“We want to protect and defend the right to vote for all citizens who are eligible to vote. Let’s respect everyone who is involved in our voting process.”
Teen terrorizes voters with machete at polling site
Adding to the tension, an 18-year-old wielding a machete was arrested outside a Florida polling site after reportedly threatening Democratic voters last week.
Caleb James Williams, along with a group of minor teenagers, confronted voters at the Beaches Branch Library, waving Trump flags and shouting the former president’s name, according to Duval County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry.
During the confrontation, Williams allegedly brandished an 18-inch machete at two women, who took a photo of him holding the blade over his head and called the police.
When they arrived at the scene, the weapon was discovered in William’ vehicle, and he was charged with aggravated assault and improper exhibition of a weapon.
Authorities are still investigating the involvement of the other teens, who have not been charged at this stage.
Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key Jr. expressed frustration over the incident, remarking, “To say I’m disturbed is an understatement. I’m mad that this happened in Neptune Beach.”
“Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is crucial, and it will not be impeded upon in Neptune Beach or Duval County,” he added. “This goes way beyond expressing freedom of speech.”
