San Antonio resident Jesse Lutzenberger, 63, was released on bail this past weekend after being arrested and accused of assaulting a 69-year-old poll worker at a Southwest Side voting site in San Antonio. The incident reportedly occurred Thursday evening as Lutzenberger allegedly punched the worker multiple times after being asked to comply with Texas law, which prohibits the display of political endorsements within 100 feet of a polling station, reports MySanAntonio.com.
According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, after voting, Lutzenberger put his "MAGA" hat back on, and when confronted by the election clerk, the altercation ensued - Lutzenberger's swift bail was posted less than 24 hours later, a sum of $30,000 as detailed in court records, KSAT states.
Lutzenberger has had previous legal issues and public political confrontations; this includes an incident in 2015 involving a debate over same-sex marriage rights on the steps of the Texas Capitol and a minor arrest in 1979, and another in 1990 for attempting to flee during a traffic stop on an alleged suspended license, as reported by MySanAntonio.com.
In light of the current charge of third-degree felony offense of assaulting an elderly or disabled person, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales has voiced a strong stance on the matter, “The right to vote is sacrosanct in our country and the bedrock of our democracy. But no one has the right to assault, threaten, harass or intimidate an election employee or voter,” according to a statement obtained by KSAT, and he vows to “vigorously prosecute” Lutzenberger for his actions.
The act of electioneering carries a potential fine up to $500 and the 69-year-old poll worker, who was assaulted, was treated at the scene by Emergency Medical Services before being released; county officials, including Bexar County Judge Sakai, have since reiterated the importance of a peaceful and respectful voting process, affirming that violence will never be tolerated in the electoral process.
