A 69-year-old US Army veteran has died after being assaulted outside his home in Escondido, California, which was known for its extensive display of US flags and signs supporting Donald Trump. Kerry Sheron succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack on 20 May, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Thomas Butler, a 32-year-old Navy veteran, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, and battery. Police responded to a reported assault and found Sheron severely injured, along with a bystander who was hurt after intervening. Butler was apprehended shortly after.
Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia described the attack as unprovoked, stating that Sheron was punched in the jaw, fell, and was then struck repeatedly in the head, requiring hospitalisation. The motive remains under investigation, with officials saying there is no evidence yet of a political motive.
Sheron's family called it a brutal and unprovoked attack. California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones condemned the death as unconscionable, alleging Sheron was murdered because of his political beliefs. Butler remains in custody without bail and is due in court on 3 June.
