A California man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he brutally beat a 69-year-old man known for his support of President Donald Trump.
The Escondido Police Department arrested 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler after accusing him of leaving Army veteran Kerry Sheron in critical condition after a savage beating on Wednesday. Butler, currently behind bars at the Vista Detention Facility, is set to appear in court Friday to face an attempted first-degree murder charge.
The incident took place outside of Sheron’s Escondido home, which features numerous American flags and Trump memorabilia. The patriotic decor has earned the home the nickname the “Trump house.”
A witness was also injured after attempting to defend Sheron after the beating started. Butler was detained by police a half-mile from the scene after he fled.
Sheron’s wife, Maria, told NBC 7 that she believes that the beating may have been politically motivated and that they’ve received threats about their outspoken support for the president before. She said that doctors told her that the outlook for her husband is not positive.
“He tried to kill my husband, you know,” she told CBS 8. “It’s terrible. I don’t know what kind of hate … what heart, the black heart.”
“They don’t like the flags. I don’t know why. I support America. My husband is [a] veteran,” she added.
One neighbor described the couple as “very caring people” who mind their own business.
“I’m calling for a full and immediate investigation,” said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA). “Details still developing, but the truth is that supporters of [Trump] are routinely the victims of leftist violence all across the country.”
A family friend of Butler told The California Post that he was a veteran who suffered “severe PTSD.” The friend also said that Butler supported Trump and previously said he liked the “Trump house.” The friend said Butler “sits in his room and thinks everyone is coming to get him.”
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