A Trump supporter was violently attacked inside a New York grocery store for wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, police report, leaving him with broken teeth and a bloodied mouth. Authorities have arrested 60-year-old Robert Yott, who allegedly initiated the assault over the victim’s hat.
The incident occurred on November 1 at a Tops Friendly Markets in Bath, New York, a small town in Steuben County. According to the Village of Bath Police Department, officers were dispatched to the store around 10:00 a.m. following reports of a confrontation. Police say Yott aggressively confronted the victim, a stranger, and repeatedly punched him in the face and head. “Mr. Yott punched the victim in the mouth and head several times, causing the victim’s teeth to be broken and mouth bloody,” the police report stated, noting that the attack appeared to be a random act of violence with no prior connection between the two men.
Yott was taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault, a Class D felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. He was processed and is currently held in Steuben County Jail pending arraignment.
Surge in Attacks Against Trump Supporters
This attack adds to a string of violent incidents targeting Trump supporters in recent years. In June, an 82-year-old man in Massachusetts was allegedly assaulted by a 27-year-old over a Trump sign. Earlier, in April, a 64-year-old Trump supporter from New Jersey was reportedly attacked with a sledgehammer, sustaining severe head injuries. The suspect in that case, Michael Gonzales, was charged with attempted murder.
These incidents have raised concerns about increasing political violence in the U.S.