An incident in Texas led to a man attacking an election clerk after being asked to take off his red “Make America Great Again” hat while at an early voting site, according to local authorities.

Jesse Lutzenberger, 63, was apprehended on Thursday and charged with causing injury to an elderly individual, as reported by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. He faces charges that could lead to a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Records from the county court indicate that Lutzenberger was able to post a $30,000 bond and was subsequently released from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

The confrontation happened around 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Johnston Branch Library in southwest San Antonio. Lutzenberger, who was wearing the red MAGA cap, was informed by a 69-year-old election clerk that he needed to remove the hat, as it violated electioneering laws, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar during a press conference on Friday.

Salazar noted, “The early voting clerk explained to him that wearing that hat is not allowed while voting due to election laws.”

Initially, Lutzenberger complied with the request and cast his vote, but he put the hat back on as he exited the polling site. The election clerk then reiterated that wearing the hat was “not acceptable,” and began to show Lutzenberger out of the building, Salazar said.

While both were nearing the exit, Lutzenberger “appeared to throw his arm back towards the clerk,” as per Salazar’s observations from security footage.

Salazar explained, “The clerk seemed to push away from the suspect. At that moment, the suspect turned and struck the clerk several times in the face.”

The clerk did not suffer serious injuries, but reported “some marks on his face,” according to Salazar.

Texas is among 21 states that prohibit wearing campaign attire, buttons, stickers, and signs at or near polling places, as stated by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

According to the Texas Election Code, it’s illegal for voters to wear items that support a political candidate at polling sites. Those who do not adhere to this rule may be ordered to turn their clothing inside out or remove accessories from their vehicles; failure to comply can result in a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

‘Violence Has No Place in Our Election Process’

Local leaders condemned this incident and urged voters to observe state regulations.

Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen emphasized during a recent news conference that while some individuals may disagree with election laws, they should “adhere to the law to ensure everyone can vote freely and without feeling intimidated,” as reported by KSAT-TV.

Salazar also highlighted various issues that emerged during the election period, including “false alarms” and reports of voters arriving at polling spaces in attire supporting a political candidate.

“I view this as an opportunity to help de-escalate the ongoing tensions,” Salazar remarked. “None of this is worth getting hurt or going to jail over. Elections will occur, and one party will win while the other loses. That’s just how it goes.”

“There is no justification for creating a criminal record or causing harm in the name of politics; it simply doesn’t add up,” Salazar further stated. “We are urging everyone to reduce the violence.”

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai added that “violence has no place in our election process.”

“Such behaviors will not be tolerated. We cannot allow anyone to disrupt the election process,” Sakai affirmed. “We are committed to safeguarding the voting rights of all eligible citizens. Let’s show respect for everyone participating in our electoral process.”

In a statement, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales promised that his office would “zealously prosecute” Lutzenberger and others involved in similar misconduct.

“The right to vote is sacred in our nation and is the foundation of our democracy,” Gonzales declared. “However, assaulting, threatening, harassing, or intimidating election workers or voters is unacceptable.”

Rising Threats Against Election Workers and Officials

This altercation is part of a troubling trend, reflecting an increase in threats and harassment directed at election workers and officials.

Earlier this year, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes denounced threats against U.S. election officials as a form of domestic terrorism, voicing concerns about potential violence during the 2024 elections.

Reports indicate that threats against election officials have surged during this election cycle, with various instances resulting in criminal charges, including one case involving a man in Arizona arrested for shooting at a Democratic Party campaign office and another in California where a man was charged with trying to bomb a courthouse.

“As we near Election Day, the Justice Department has made it clear: anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face serious consequences,” stated Attorney General Merrick Garland. “For our democracy to thrive, individuals serving in these capacities must be protected.”

Election officials are working to ensure that the public can perform their duties without being afraid for their safety.

In light of recent threats, there has been an increase in security measures at polling places, including the installation of bulletproof glass, additional security cameras, and panic buttons. According to YSL News in September, a local sheriff suggested that an election employee in Colorado don body armor after being followed home, and the staff began keeping Narcan on hand to prepare for potential fentanyl incidents.

“Sadly, this has become a routine aspect of our daily existence,” remarked Josh Zygielbaum, an elected county clerk and recorder from a suburb of Denver, in an interview with YSL News.