An intensifying clash of ideologies turned into violence when a 33-year-old woman attacked an elderly man wearing a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat.
Laura Garrett has been charged with multiple offenses after assaulting the elderly man at a park in Largo, Florida, before resisting arrest and injuring a police officer.
The disturbing incident occurred at Northeast Park and Paw Place in Largo, where the elderly victim was minding his own business while wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat.
According to police reports, Garrett approached the man and began questioning why he would support President Trump, quickly escalating from verbal harassment to physical assault.
What started as a political disagreement rapidly deteriorated when Garrett poured the contents of a can on the elderly man’s head before striking him with it.
Following the attack, witnesses reported that Garrett attempted to flee the scene by jumping over a fence.
An independent witness recounted the incident, confirming the elderly man’s account of the unprovoked assault.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was targeted solely for expressing his political support through his MAGA hat, raising serious concerns about politically-motivated violence against conservatives in public spaces.
When police located Garrett after the attack, she violently resisted arrest, causing further harm to law enforcement.
Arrest documents stated that the woman dropped to the ground and wrapped her legs around an officer, causing him to fall and sustain a bruised knee.
She continued her combative behavior by kicking and pulling away from officers attempting to take her into custody.
“During the altercation, the defendant struck the victim on the back of the head/shoulder area with a can she was holding. She then jumped over a fence and began walking away. This incident was witnessed by an independent witness, who later provided a sworn statement,” the court affidavit read.
While Garrett admitted to confronting the victim and pouring the contents of a can on his head, she denied hitting him with the can, which the witness testimony contradicted.
Police booked Garrett into Pinellas County Jail on multiple charges, including battery on a person over 65 years old, which carries enhanced penalties in Florida.
Despite the serious nature of her offenses, Garrett was released from jail the following night.
Florida woman charged after allegedly attacking 72-year-old man in MAGA hat.
Laura Garrett, 33, was arrested by the Largo Police Department for battery on a person over 65 years old, battery on a police officer, and obstructing or resisting an officer without violence, according… pic.twitter.com/pk8QeZO3YH
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) May 23, 2025
This attack represents the latest in a disturbing trend of violence against Trump supporters simply for wearing MAGA merchandise.
Conservative Americans increasingly face harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks for peacefully expressing their political views.
The case has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s office for potential prosecution.
Still, many conservatives question whether justice will be fully served given the apparent double standard in how politically-motivated crimes are prosecuted.
Ultimately, this attack highlights the dangerous reality that many Trump supporters face when publicly showing their political affiliation.
While the mainstream media largely ignores these attacks on conservatives, they represent a clear threat to free speech and political expression.
