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Hoyt Hutchingson, a Donald Trump supporter in Alabama, was arrested on a felony charge on Saturday, November 9 near Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Ahead of the high-profile college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, Hutchinson decided to raise some trouble.
With Trump set to attend the game between the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the nation, there were plenty of protestors outside of the stadium. And is as usually the case during publicized Trump appearances, the popular Baby Trump balloon was flying high.
Well, Hutchinson was upset by the Baby Trump balloon, so he took things into his own hands.
After posting a video on social media where he promised to “make a scene,” “get rowdy” and “pop” that balloon, Hutchinson knifed the balloon and deflated it before fleeing the scene. Ultimately, he was caught and charged with felony first-degree criminal mischief, according to the Tuscaloosa News.
“Y’all watch the news. You got any balls you’re welcome to join me,” he noted. “I’m shaking, I’m so mad right now.“
“Officers observed Hoyt Deau Hutchinson, age 32 of Tuscaloosa, AL, cut into the ‘Baby Trump’ balloon, and then attempt to flee the area,” a statement from the Tuscaloosa police said. “Officers apprehended the suspect and took him into custody on a charge of Criminal Mischief First Degree. Hoyt was transported to Tuscaloosa County Jail where he was held on a $2,500 bond.”
Hutchinson reportedly cut an 8-foot gash into the balloon, Jim Girvan, who organizes the balloon protests, told the Associated Press.
Video has since surfaced showing the deflated balloon at Hutchinson being arrested.
Following his arrest, Hutchinson took to GoFundMe to create a fundraiser that will “raise money to pay legal fees and restitutions” of the Baby Trump balloon.
The GoFundMe reads:
Help raise money to pay legal fees and restitutions for Hoyt. He was charged with a felony criminal mischief after deflation of the disrespectful baby trump balloon. Hoyt made sure our beloved president didn’t have to see this disrespectful balloon on the streets of Ttown today!!
As of this writing, the fundraiser has raised more than $27,000; the original goal was set at $6,000.
