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

(AP) – A Texas man who wore a support hat former President Donald Trump punched a poll worker who told him that items supporting a candidate were 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 Friday, officials said. The suspect was arrested on charges of assault on an elderly person and could face additional charges, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

The alleged attack happened at the end of the first week early vote in texaswhere long queues stretched outside some polling stations.

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.

“Thankfully, there was nothing life-threatening about what happened, but it was still a nasty incident,” Salazar said.

The alleged attack happened during early voting in Texas, where long lines stretched... — The alleged attack happened during early voting in Texas, where long lines stretched outside some polls.

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

Under Texas law, wearing clothing for or against a candidate inside a polling place is prohibited because it is considered electioneering. Lutzenberger allegedly entered the polling station wearing a red “MAGA or TRUMP” baseball cap, according to an affidavit.

After being told to remove his hat in the voting area, Lutzenberger did and proceeded to vote, according to Salazar. He then put his cap back on before leaving, followed by the clerk who again told him to remove his hat as he entered the building.

As the clerk escorted him out of the library, Lutzenberger allegedly threw an elbow or arm back at the clerk and then returned 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 in which voters wore prohibited clothing or hats to polling places, but then removed them when the state law was explained to them.

“Nothing here is worth getting hurt, going to jail for,” he said.