A New York author allegedly assaulted a stranger in a supermarket for wearing a Donald Trump hat just a few days before Election Day, authorities said.
Robert Yott, 60, is accused of confronting a supporter of the former US president for wearing a Trump 2024 hat at Tops Friendly Markets last Friday around 10 a.m., according to the village of Bath police. Yott allegedly punched the victim multiple times in the mouth and head, causing a bloody mouth and broken teeth, police said.
The village police department stated that the alleged assault “appears to be a random act of violence.”
Yott was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, a felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, Bath police said.
Yott is known in the community as a local author of a pair of military history books, the Wellsville Sun reported.
Political tensions in the US are high ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris compete to be named the next president.
