Man arrested in possible targeting of Trump volunteers

Police are investigating whether a man who allegedly drove a van through a tent in a Jacksonville, Fla., Walmart parking lot Saturday was targeting Trump campaign volunteers.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it arrested Gregory Timm after the incident, which did not result in any injuries. Timm was charged with criminal mischief, aggravated assault and driving on a suspended license, the sheriff’s office tweeted early Sunday morning.

#JSO has arrested the suspect who drove through the voter registration tent in the area of 11900 Atlantic Boulevard.

Gregory Timm has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Criminal Mischief, and Driving While Driver’s License Suspended. pic.twitter.com/zGKbR2VTg0

— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) February 9, 2020

An investigation is ongoing into whether the incident was politically motivated, law enforcement officials told CNN affiliate WJXT, adding that Timm recorded a video and gave the six volunteers inside the tent the finger after he stopped driving.

President Trump and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel condemned the incident as political violence, as did Jacksonville’s GOP mayor, Lenny Curry.

Law Enforcement has been notified. Be careful tough guys who you play with! https://t.co/1Pq0hOrzy2

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2020

Sadly, this happened. I spoke to the GOP chair. This is outrageous. The hate is toxic and dangerous. Thankfully no one was injured but certainly they are shaken after being targeted because they were registering voters. I’ve spoken to the Sheriff & of course his team is on this https://t.co/dRENZi0Bxq

— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) February 8, 2020

The Duval County Democratic Party, meanwhile, tweeted, “No one’s life should be placed in danger for exercising their first amendment rights” and blasted the “cowardly act of violence.”

The @DuvalDEC condemns this cowardly act of violence. No one’s life should be placed in danger for exercising their first amendment rights. (1/3) https://t.co/j2ceUI0HFb

— Duval County Democratic Party (@DuvalDEC) February 9, 2020