NY Man Charged with Felony After Allegedly Attacking Stranger Over Trump 2024 Hat
Photo by Bath Village Police Department / Facebook / Getty Images
A quiet morning in Bath, New York, took a violent turn last Friday when 60-year-old Robert Yott allegedly assaulted a stranger wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, sparking yet another incident in the ongoing debate over public expressions of political preference. According to the Village of Bath Police Department, Yott now faces felony charges of second-degree assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
The alleged assault unfolded at a Tops Friendly Markets store on West Morris Street around 10 a.m. Police reported being called to the scene following a confrontation between Yott and an unidentified man who, by all accounts, was simply grocery shopping while wearing the Trump-themed hat. Investigators said Yott allegedly initiated the confrontation before escalating into aggression, repeatedly striking the man in the mouth and head. Witnesses reported seeing blood, and authorities confirmed that the victim sustained broken teeth in the incident.
Bath Police stated that the victim was a complete stranger to Yott, making this incident even more jarring. Following the assault, Yott was taken into custody and transported to Steuben County Jail, where he awaits arraignment on the charges.
This violent encounter arrives at a time when political tensions are reaching fever pitch, with Election Day mere days away. Increasingly, even the choice to wear politically-themed attire has led to confrontations, prompting discussions on public displays of support and the safety concerns that may accompany them.
The incident in Bath reflects a broader, simmering tension nationwide over personal political displays, particularly those related to the Trump campaign. Just last week, another instance captured national attention when San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat during a postgame interview. After the 49ers’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Bosa unexpectedly joined quarterback Brock Purdy’s interview, briefly flashing his MAGA hat. When asked, Bosa said he felt it was an “important time,” though he refrained from elaborating further on his political views.
Bosa’s public display sparked a backlash from some, including California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who took to social media to express his displeasure. “I hope [49ers CEO] @JedYork trades Nick Bosa to Mar-A-Lago. As a lifelong @49ers fan, I can say I’ve seen enough of Bosa in California,” Rivas posted on X (formerly Twitter). The statement fueled further debate before being deleted.
This trend extends beyond California. In September, an Arizona Cardinals fan had a similar encounter when she was asked to remove her MAGA hat while entering State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Susan Rosener, a dedicated season ticket holder, was reportedly told by a staff member that “political hats or shirts” were prohibited. Rosener’s story gained traction on social media after Turning Point Action Field Rep VP Alyssa Goncales shared her experience, along with alleged messages from other fans who claimed they, too, had been told to remove similar items. In response to public outcry, the Cardinals organization issued a formal apology, clarifying that “political hats or shirts” were not on their official list of prohibited items.
As incidents like these continue to emerge, they highlight the complicated intersection of political expression and public spaces. With Election Day looming, many wonder if the nation can endure a heightened period of political passion without more confrontations arising. For now, Robert Yott’s arraignment will be a local court matter, but the broader conversation about the freedom—and the potential repercussions—of wearing one’s political beliefs on their sleeve remains ongoing.
