A retired New York Police officer celebrating his 50th birthday in Nashville last weekend was attacked after a woman mistakenly interpreted his red cap as open support for President Trump.
The lady who decked Daniel Sprague as he tried to enjoy a night out with friends and family never stopped to read his hat — it said “Make Fifty Great Again” — before pouncing with a sucker punch.
“I was outside with my friends when someone grabbed me from behind, spun me around and punched me in the face,” Mr. Sprague said, The New York Post reported Wednesday. “At first I thought it was a friend until I got hit. I couldn’t believe someone could get that upset.”
Mr. Sprague retired as part of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit in 2009.
“I love Trump, but I wouldn’t hit someone who had a Bernie hat on,” he added. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I wasn’t an Obama fan, but if he walked into a place where I was, I would show him and the office respect.”
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed to the Post that a report was filed.
Mr. Sprague is still waiting for a follow-up from detectives regarding the incident, the Post reported.
Ex-NYPD cop punched at his Nashville birthday party after red cap mistaken for MAGA hat https://t.co/lYnKko8pO3 pic.twitter.com/0poBQP18VW
— New York Post (@nypost) February 12, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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