A Texas man caught on video cursing at a teenager after allegedly stealing the teen’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat has been indicted by a grand jury.
Kino Jimenez, 30, was identified by police officers after the victim published footage of the incident, which appears to show Jimenez taking a drink on the table and hurling it at the teen.
Jimenez then lets loose with a string of invectives as he walks toward the door of the Whataburger in San Antonio where the alleged crime occurred.
Jimenez has now been charged with Theft of Person—a state felony—by a grand jury, reported KHOU.
Warning: Video contains profanities
So went out for a 2am snack and my friend (wearing a MAGA hat) had his hat stolen and a drink thrown in his face (and mine, you can see my arms on the left of the video) pic.twitter.com/B3QjBFIxPk
— Brax? (@brxpug) July 4, 2018
Became Upset
According to the arrest warrant, Jimenez approached the teen and his two friends around 2 a.m. on July 4 and asked him why he was wearing the “MAGA” hat, which is official President Donald Trump gear.
The teen told the suspect that wearing the hat was his way of “supporting the president.” That answer apparently angered Jimenez, prompting him to assault the teenager.
The teen said Jimenez grabbed the hat off of his head, prompting the teen to get his cell phone out and start recording. That’s when Jimenez tossed the cup’s contents at the victim’s face and left the restaurant with the hat.
Jimenez was arrested on July 6 after being identified. He was also fired from his job over the incident. The trial is set to start on Oct. 19.
#Update: Teen who made national news after having #MAGA hat stolen at a San Antonio fast food restaurant just got this in the mail. A hat signed by @realDonaldTrump.
See the video: https://t.co/LAUcjERTNc @News4SA @KABBFOX29 pic.twitter.com/akzNSp4ps8
— Joe Galli (@JoeGalliNews) July 11, 2018
Signed Hat by Trump
The assault gained nationwide attention, with the original video garnering over 11.5 million views, including from Donald Trump. Jr, one of the president’s sons.
“If someone can get me this young man’s information I’ll get him a new #maga hat… SIGNED by #potus!!!” Trump Jr. said via Twitter on July 5.
The teenager was identified as 16-year-old Hunter Richards, who told News 4 that he would have had a civil conversation about the president with his assailant.
“I support my President and if you don’t let’s have a conversation about it instead of ripping my hat off. I just think a conversation about politics is more productive for the entire whole rather than taking my hat and yelling subjective words to me,” he said.
Richards later received a “MAGA” hat signed by President Trump.
Assaults of Trump Supporters
A number of incidents have arisen where Trump supporters wearing “MAGA” hats have been assaulted. During the same month, a teen visiting Seattle from elsewhere in Washington state posted video footage of a man with green hair knocking his “MAGA” hat off and spitting on it.
The latest took place in California this week, with a high school student ripping a hat off the head of her classmate before slapping a teacher who intervened.
Other incidents this year have included a teen visiting Seattle getting his hat knocked off and a Trump supporter wearing a “MAGA” hat being verbally attacked by employees at a Florida Cheesecake Factory.