Man punched poll worker who told him to take off his hat at polling place, police say

(AP) – A Texas man wearing a hat supporting former president donald trump He punched a poll worker who told him that wearing items supporting a candidate is prohibited at polling places, a sheriff said Friday.

The poll worker, identified as a 69-year-old man, was treated at the scene Thursday and returned to his polling station at a San Antonio library on Friday, authorities said. The suspect was arrested on felony assault on an elderly person and could face additional charges, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

The alleged attack occurred at the end of the first week of early vote in texaswhere long lines have extended in front of some polling places.

Both the sheriff and the county elections administrator urged voters to remain calm and patient during the sometimes long waits to vote during what they described as a contentious election.

“Fortunately, there was nothing life-threatening about what happened, but it was still an ugly incident,” Salazar said.

The suspect, identified as Jesse Lutzenberger, remained in jail Friday night, according to Bexar County records. Jail records did not list an attorney, and Lutzenberger’s home phone number could not immediately be found Friday.

Under Texas law, wearing pro- or anti-candidate clothing inside a polling place is prohibited as it is considered election campaigning. Lutzenberger allegedly entered the polling place wearing a red baseball cap that said “MAGA or TRUMP,” according to an arrest affidavit.

After being told he had to remove his hat in the voting area, Lutzenberger did so and proceeded to cast his vote, according to Salazar. He then put his hat back on before leaving, followed by the employee again telling him to remove his hat while inside the building.

As the employee escorted him out of the library, Lutzenberger allegedly threw an elbow or arm toward the employee and then turned to punch him in the face several times, according to Salazar.

The clerk was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel, Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said.

Salazar said there have been “several” incidents of voters wearing prohibited clothing or hats at polling places, but then taking them off when state law was explained to them.

“There’s nothing here worth getting hurt or going to jail for,” he said.

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