New Jersey

Teen Arrested for Attack on 81-Year-Old Man Wearing MAGA Hat: Prosecutors

The teen grabbed the man's arm, threw him to the ground, tipped over his grocery cart and tossed the hat aside, prosecutors say

What to Know

  • A 19-year-old has been arrested for attacking an 81-year-old man wearing a MAGA hat, prosecutors say
  • The teen grabbed the man's arm, threw him to the ground, tipped over his grocery cart and tossed the hat aside, prosecutors say
  • He faces charges including assault and harassment, according to prosecutors

A 19-year-old has been arrested for attacking an 81-year-old man wearing a MAGA hat, prosecutors say.

Police responded to a grocery store on Elizabeth Avenue around 3:30 p.m. on Monday after receiving a report of a fight, the Somerset County prosecutor’s office said.

When they arrived, an 81-year-old Franklin Township resident told them he had just bought groceries and left the store when another man, identified by prosecutors on Wednesday as Ryan Salvagno, 19, of Somerset, confronted him about the MAGA hat he was wearing, the prosecutor’s office said.

After a brief argument, the 81-year-old turned and tried to walk away — at which point Salvagno grabbed the hat, according to prosecutors.

As the two struggled over the hat, Salvagno allegedly grabbed the 81-year-old’s arm, threw him to the ground, tipped over his grocery cart and tossed the hat aside, prosecutors said.

The attack left the 81-year-old with minor injuries.

Salvagno faces charges including assault and harassment and is expected to appear in court on March 14, according to prosecutors. 

His attorney information wasn’t immediately available Wednesday.

Contact Us