A 33-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly attacking a number of people at a Wednesday night rally in Aliso Viejo in support of President Donald Trump. This included an elderly lady who he hit in the face causing a major bruise on her face. He was arrested at the scene by police.
“He took his hand way back like he was going to punch me, and [he] hit me right across the face,” 84-year-old Donna Snow said. “Broke my earrings off.”
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a retired police officer then got involved and pulled his gun as the man attempted to run from the scene. Another person at the rally was knocked to the ground by the man while trying to help others, and a third victim was taken to a local hospital with a neck injury. According to the sheriff’s office, Alvin Gary Shaw was taken into custody on suspicion of elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon and assault and battery after allegedly attacking three people in attendance. Officials said Shaw was armed with a knife, which deputies said they found in a nearby bush, and was fighting with Trump supporters.
“This could have been a very serious incident,” Sgt. Dennis Breckner said. “In this case, this was just two groups that disagree, and while we support people and their using their First Amendment rights to put out their message, we prefer that that remain peaceful.”
