WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Newly released bodycam footage shows the moment an alleged anti-Trump protester attacked a French Trump supporter with a flagpole outside Trump International Golf Course.
On Sunday, deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after reports of an altercation.
The footage shows Paul Messar, 76 of Lake Worth Beach, striking a woman in the upper chest and neck area with a metal flagpole and then a deputy immediately placing Messar in handcuffs.
The victim, who identified herself as a Trump supporter, stated, “he shoved against me because I support Trump.” Witnesses expressed their shock, with one commenting, “I have never seen such nasty behavior.”
Following the incident, deputies observed visible redness on the victim’s neck.
During a conversation with deputies, Messar was informed he was being arrested for battery.
See also: Protester accused of striking woman with flagpole outside Trump International Golf Club
The bodycam then shows deputies speaking to Messar, where they explained he is being arrested for battery, to which he responded, “I can’t argue with you, how many times do you have to tell someone to get out of your face, just curious, and now I’m done talking.”
The victim, identified as Audrey Ragonnaud, later explained that she is French and she was standing at the protest when Messar came over to her and was shouting many things at her, stating “he would sue her if she touched him.”
The victim explained that she was participating in the protest when Messar approached her, shouting various threats. She clarified that she did not touch him, but he still hit her.
Messar was taken into custody and booked at the Palm Beach County jail on a charge of battery, with his bond set at $1,000.
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