A woman in Florida has been accused of attacking Trump supporters who were wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. This incident took place outside Tampa, where she also reportedly assaulted a police officer.
Laura Elizabeth Garrett, 33, was apprehended by an officer from Largo Police Station on Tuesday night. She’s facing multiple charges, including resisting arrest without violence, battery against individuals over 65, battery against police officers, and further resistance to law enforcement, according to Pinellas County Jail records.
During her arrest, it’s claimed that Garrett was still trying to fight back, even kicking and pulling away from the officer.
Garrett was released later that Wednesday evening. According to her arrest affidavit, the conflict began when she engaged in a discussion with a 72-year-old man sporting a MAGA hat at a park around 5:30 PM that day.
In her own admission to the police, she acknowledged approaching the elderly man, as reported by a local TV station.
The situation escalated, leading Garrett, described as having blue hair, to pour a liquid from a can onto the man’s head. The victim told investigators that she struck him with the can, hitting him on the back of the head and shoulder.
Interestingly, she claimed that she “actually touched and attacked them intentionally.” An independent witness to the event later gave a sworn statement regarding the incident.
After the confrontation, Garrett reportedly jumped over a fence to leave the scene. The police later tracked her down but noted that she was confrontational upon their arrival.
As officers attempted to take her into custody, she allegedly collapsed to the ground after being handcuffed. It was also reported that she tried to trip the officers while they were escorting her to their vehicle, causing one officer to bruise his knee.
Although she is alleged to have poured a liquid on Trump supporters, Garrett has denied using the can as a weapon against the victim.
The Largo Police Department has forwarded the case to the state attorney’s office for further action.
