A man from Texas, who was donning a hat that endorsed former President Donald Trump, assaulted an election worker after being informed that showing support for candidates through clothing is prohibited at polling stations, according to local law enforcement.

The election worker, a 69-year-old man, required treatment at the scene after the incident on Thursday and was able to return to his duties at a library in San Antonio the following day, indicated by officials. The assailant, named Jesse Lutzenberger, has been charged with a felony for assaulting an elderly person and may face further charges, as stated by the sheriff of Bexar County, Javier Salazar.

This altercation took place during the initial week of early voting in Texas, which has seen long lines at various polling locations. Both the sheriff and the county’s elections administrator have called for voters to remain composed and tolerant amid the sometimes extended wait times, labeling the current election cycle as contentious.

“This incident, while not life-threatening, was still unfortunate,” Sheriff Salazar commented. Lutzenberger was still in custody as of Friday evening, with local records not indicating whether he had legal representation. Attempts to reach his residence were unsuccessful.

Texas law prohibits anyone from wearing campaign apparel inside polling places, as it constitutes electioneering. Lutzenberger reportedly entered the voting area wearing a red “MAGA or TRUMP” cap, as detailed in an arrest affidavit.

After being asked to remove the cap while in the voting zone, Lutzenberger complied and cast his ballot. However, he allegedly put the hat back on upon exiting, prompting a worker to remind him to remove it again. As the clerk began to escort Lutzenberger out of the library, he reportedly retaliated by swinging an elbow or arm back at the clerk and then proceeded to punch him multiple times in the face.

Emergency medical personnel treated the clerk right at the site, as noted by Jacque Callanen, the Bexar County Elections Administrator. Sheriff Salazar mentioned that there have been multiple cases of voters entering polling places in banned clothing, but they usually complied with the law once it was explained to them.

“Nothing in this process is worth injuring someone or ending up in jail,” he remarked in light of the incident.