A Florida woman faces multiple charges after allegedly attacking a 72-year-old man over his MAGA hat, then battling with police officers during her arrest.
At a Glance
- Laura Elizabeth Garrett, 33, allegedly confronted and assaulted 72-year-old Gary Gama over his MAGA hat at a Largo, Florida park
- Garrett is accused of hitting Gama and pouring a beverage on his head after questioning him about his support for President Trump
- During her arrest, Garrett allegedly resisted, causing an officer to fall and injure his knee
- Garrett faces charges of battery on a person 65 years or older, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer
Political Confrontation Turns Violent
An argument over a MAGA hat escalated into a physical altercation at Northeast Park and Paw Place in Largo, Florida. Laura Elizabeth Garrett, 33, allegedly confronted 72-year-old Gary Gama about his political support for President Trump. According to police reports, the confrontation quickly turned physical when Garrett allegedly struck Gama with a can and poured its contents over his head. The incident occurred in a public park setting and was witnessed by an independent observer who later provided a sworn statement to police investigators.
While Garrett admitted to questioning Gama about his support for Trump, she denied hitting him with the can. However, both the victim’s statement and corroboration from the witness led authorities to press charges. The case highlights growing tensions in public spaces over political expression, with the elderly victim finding himself targeted for displaying his political affiliation through his hat. According to the police documentation, the confrontation was unprovoked by the victim.
Resisting Arrest and Officer Assault
When police attempted to take Garrett into custody, the situation reportedly escalated further. Officers described a significant struggle during which Garrett actively resisted arrest through multiple physical actions. According to the arrest report, Garrett dropped her body weight to the ground, kicked her feet, and pulled away from officers attempting to restrain her. The resistance turned more serious when she allegedly wrapped her legs around one officer, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.
“Garrett struggled with officers, threw herself to the ground, and kicked her feet. At one point, she allegedly wrapped her legs around one cop and forced him to the ground. Garrett was eventually subdued with restraints and ‘escorted by four officers,” the report said.
The officer who fell during the struggle reportedly sustained a bruised knee as a result of the incident. Police documentation indicates that it ultimately required four officers to subdue and restrain Garrett. This escalation from the initial confrontation to resisting arrest has resulted in multiple serious charges being filed against her, significantly compounding her legal troubles beyond the initial alleged assault on Gama.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
Following the incident, authorities filed three separate charges against Garrett. The most serious is battery on a person 65 years or older, which carries enhanced penalties in Florida due to the victim’s age. Additionally, she faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer related to the officer who was pulled to the ground and injured during her arrest. The third charge is resisting an officer without violence, though reports indicate significant physical resistance during the arrest process.
“The confrontation between Garrett and Gama was observed by an ‘independent witness’ who provided cops with a sworn statement,” the website stated.
The case has drawn attention on social media, with some commenters focusing on Garrett’s distinctive blue hair. The incident has been framed by some observers as part of what they see as a pattern of harassment and attacks on Trump supporters in public spaces. The case remains in the legal system, with Garrett facing potential jail time and fines if convicted of the charges against her, particularly given the enhanced penalties associated with battery on an elderly person and a law enforcement officer.
