The victim was attacked while leaving the ShopRite at 435 Elizabeth Ave, Somerset, NJ for wearing a red MAGA hat.
NEW JERSEY—An 81 year old unidentified Somerset man, wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, was assaulted Monday, February 25 outside of the ShopRite Grocery Store in Somerset, NJ. Ryan M. Salvagno, 19, of Amwell Road is being charged for the crime.
The unidentified male victim was finishing his shopping and was exiting the grocery store located 435 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873 when he was approached by Salvagno, who expressed his disapproval of the victim’s MAGA hat.
Ryan Salvagno graduated in 2017 from Franklin High.
After a verbal argument ensued, witnesses reported the victim trying to leave. Salvagno grabbed the victims hat off of his head. When the victim tried to take his hat back, Salvagno grabbed his arm and threw him to the ground, tossing his hat and tipping his shopping cart.
The victim suffered minor injuries and refused transportation to the hospital to be treated.
Salvagno was arrested on Wednesday, February 27 and faces criminal charges. He graduated in 2017 where he trained and competed on the wrestling team for the Franklin Warriors since 2014. He is also a self-described dancer.
It is unknown if the crime is being treated under special circumstances given the age of the victim.
This incident adds to a growing list of violent crimes against people who show support for President Donald Trump. This comes after Jussie Smollett claimed he was attacked by two white Trump supporters in Chicago. After weeks of police investigation, tying up authorities, detectives and investigators of one of the most violent cities in America, the police determined that the story was fabricated.
Smollett, who is vocal regarding politics, is well-known for supporting issues for women, people of color and Democrats. He is an outward activist against the Trump administration. Smollett was arrested and charged with filing a false report. His next hearing is scheduled for March 14. Smollett still maintains his innocence in the case.
More incidents are being reported by people via the internet who are expressing frustrations with the media being biased. The actual crime victims appear to be Trump supporters.
Mainstream media was quick to spread Smollett’s fabricated story, with few networks reporting validated crimes against people for showing support for President Trump.