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The election worker, identified as a 69-year-old man, was
treated at the scene Thursday and returned to his election post
at a San Antonio library on Friday, officials said. The suspect
was arrested on felony charges of assaulting an elderly person
and could face additional charges, Bexar County Sheriff Javier
Salazar said.
The alleged assault happened at the end of the first week of
early voting in Texas, where long lines have stretched outside
some polling places.
Both the sheriff and county elections administrator urged voters
to stay calm and patient during sometimes long waits to vote
during what they described as a contentious election.
“Thankfully there was nothing life-threatening about what
occurred, but it was still an ugly incident,” Salazar said.
The suspect, identified as Jesse Lutzenberger, remained in jail
Friday evening, 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, as it's considered
electioneering. Lutzenberger allegedly entered the polling
location in a red “MAGA or TRUMP” baseball cap, according to an
arrest affidavit.
After being told he had to remove his cap in the voting area,
Lutzenberger did and proceeded to cast a ballot, according to
Salazar. He then put the cap back on before leaving, followed by
the clerk again telling him remove the hat while inside the
building.
As the clerk escorted him out of the library, Lutzenberger
allegedly threw an elbow or arm back toward the clerk and then
turned to punch him in the face multiple 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 of voters
wearing prohibited clothing or caps into polling places, but
they then removed them when the state law was explained to them.
“Nothing here is worth getting hurt for, going to jail for," he
said.
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