A Texas resident is facing charges after allegedly assaulting an election worker who asked him to remove a hat displaying support for former President Donald Trump while at a polling site.
Local authorities identified the man as Jesse Lutzenberger.
According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, Lutzenberger was initially instructed to remove his hat as he entered the polling area.
Following this request, he cast his vote and placed the hat back on as he was preparing to leave.
Upon noticing the hat again, a polling clerk reminded Lutzenberger to take it off, explaining that Texas law prohibits any attire or accessories endorsing a candidate inside polling places.
Despite this, Lutzenberger allegedly responded by swinging his arm or elbow toward the clerk, according to Sheriff Salazar.
After this initial movement, Lutzenberger reportedly turned fully around and directed several punches at the clerk’s face.
The election worker, a 69-year-old man, sustained visible marks on his face but, fortunately, did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff Salazar confirmed the incident and noted that Lutzenberger was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody at Bexar County Jail.
Speaking to reporters about the incident, Sheriff Salazar took the opportunity to address the issue of political violence, urging the public to avoid any hostile actions during election activities.
“Look, nothing here is worth going to jail for,” Sheriff Salazar stated firmly. “Regardless of how any race ends up, there will be a winner and a loser. That’s the nature of democracy.”
The sheriff went on to emphasize the futility of violence in political settings, saying, “But there’s no sense in picking up a criminal case, creating a criminal history, or potentially injuring or even k_illing someone over political differences. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
This incident has surfaced amidst heightened concerns regarding potential post-election violence.
A recent poll conducted by Scripps News/Ipsos revealed that 62 percent of Americans believe violence following Election Day is either “very likely” or “somewhat likely.”
