An 82-year-old woman was arrested on Monday in Washington state for a hate crime after allegedly assaulting two “brown-skinned” supporters of President-elect Donald Trump.
In a Wednesday press release, the Edmonds Police Department said, “An Edmonds woman was arrested Monday (11/4) afternoon for a Hate Crime after assaulting two women who were rallying in support of a conservative political figure near 100th Avenue West and Edmonds Way. During the incident, the suspect indicated the race of the victims, and their political beliefs were the catalyst for her approaching and yelling at them about their views before the assault.”
When confronted by the police officers, the 82-year-old suspect explained that she could not understand why people of color would support this particular candidate,” according to Wednesday’s press release. The Edmonds Police Department added that the suspect “was very animated” and “attempted to push an officer” to demonstrate her interaction with the Trump supporters.
Law enforcement officials said a 55-year-old victim claimed that the suspect “had gotten into her face as she was rallying in support of her chosen candidate.” After pointing out the victim’s “attire and skin color,” the suspect “pushed the victim and punched her in the chin.”
The Edmonds Police Department explained that a 66-year-old woman was also punched by the suspect after trying to intervene and stepping in the way of the first victim. Despite the alleged assault incident, police officials confirmed that neither victim was significantly injured or required medical treatment.
Police officials added, “The suspect continued to show no remorse for the incident and the potential to continue her behavior toward others.” As a result, the suspect was taken into custody at the Snohomish County Jail.
READ MORE: Pic: Trump supporter attacked, hospitalized with brain bleed: Report
KOMO News reported that while the suspect was released on Tuesday and had not yet been charged for the incident, a judge found probable cause against the woman for a hate crime.
In a video obtained by KOMO News, the suspect can be heard telling police officers, “I approached her, and I said I want to know why you’re voting for Trump. That’s the only thing. And. And I said because you’re brown-skinned.”
According to KOMO News, the 55-year-old victim has been identified as Gina Powell, while the 66-year-old victim has been identified as Mary Jennings. Both Powell and Jennings told the outlet that the assault incident will not prevent them from continuing to support Trump.
Powell told KOMO News, “He got shot by a bullet, and he said ‘Fight, fight, fight,’ I got a little jab in my chin, so I’m not sitting down.”
A picture of Powell and Jennings with Trump signs and Trump flags was shared on X, formerly Twitter.
