Over the weekend, the Jacksonville Police arrested a 27-year-old man after he used his van to attack a group of Trump Victory volunteers during Saturday’s voter registration drive.
The attacker, who we will not name, faces multiple charges after driving his van into a Republican tent that was set up in Walmart parking lot. Those charges include two counts of aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older, one count of criminal mischief and driving with a suspended license.
Following the politically-motivated attack, the Republican Party of Florida Chair Joe Gruters released a statement.
Gruters statement, via press release:
“First and foremost, I am relieved to hear that none of our volunteers were injured in this cowardly, and unprovoked attack. The safety and welfare of our volunteers is paramount, and I urge all REC leaders to remain vigilant as we continue to encourage Floridians to participate in our elections process. RPOF volunteers are the backbone of our party and these patriots were only taking time out of their day to help register voters.
“Political violence is contrary to everything our country stands for. It is one thing to debate an issue and to politically disagree, but it is another when these disagreements turn into physical attacks. Violence against those who hold differing political beliefs is never appropriate.
“Rest assured, yesterday’s attack will not deter the RPOF and its dedicated volunteers from its ongoing efforts to register people to vote in the 2020 Presidential election cycle. Every Floridian should exercise their right to vote no matter which party they belong to. We, collectively, need to ensure that volunteers, voters and all those involved are able to safely and freely participate in our elections process with no fear.
“I especially want to thank the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and the RPOF once again extends its thoughts of relief to the Republican Party of Duval County and to all its dedicated volunteers.”
The Republican Party of Duval County held a press conference to address the attack on Monday.
The conference featured Senator Gruters, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Chairman Dean Black, Republican Party of Duval County and other supporters of President Trump and Trump Victory volunteers.
Y’all need to press for stronger charges against this criminal. He should be charged with 6 counts of attempted murder. He should feel the full brunt of the Law for his heinous act. Otherwise there are those who will feel inspired by his murderous actions, and who will attempt to violently attack members of political groups they do not agree with; knowing that the Law will merely slap them with the smallest sentences allowable.