Trump Supporter Arrested After Slashing 20ft ‘Baby Trump’ Balloon With Knife

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A Baby Trump balloon met a gruesome and untimely end at a football game after someone slashed it with a knife. 

The now-iconic Trump balloon first flew over London as a way to protest the US president’s visit, but replica blimps have since been created and now pop up in various places all over the world.

Yesterday, November 9, Trump headed to Alabama to attend the Louisiana State versus Alabama college football game at Tuscaloosa’s Monnish Park, where he found some fans who cheered his appearance – a stark contrast to the reception at Game 5 of the World Series in Washington.

Check out what happened to the balloon here:

However, there were still some attendees protesting the president’s arrival as one giant, nappy-clad floating Trump made an appearance.

The organiser of the protesters ‘adopted’ the balloon for the event, but shortly before kickoff one of Trump’s supporters made his views clear by slashing the blimp with a knife.

It seems ironic the supporter would stand up for the POTUS by quite literally stabbing him in the back… but they were obviously committed to the task as they cut an 8ft-long gash in the back of the 20ft president.

Robert Kennedy (no relation), a volunteer ‘babysitter’ who was watching over the balloon, told NBC News it immediately began to sag after it was cut.

The protester said although the group had received a few shouts of criticism, the day had mostly been going well before the man attacked the balloon.

Kennedy added:

It is rare to get that kind of anger.

PA Images

The knife-wielding man ran away but he was tracked down and caught by police officers, who arrested him and identified him as 32-year-old Hoyt Hutchinson.

A statement from Tuscaloosa police read:

Officers observed Hoyt Deau Hutchinson, age 32 of Tuscaloosa, AL, cut into the “Baby Trump” balloon, and then attempted to flee the area.

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.

According to AL.com, Hutchinson posted a video on Facebook shortly before the incident in which he said he was ‘going down here to make a scene’ at the game.

He continued:

Y’all watch the news… I’m shaking I’m so mad right now. I’m fixin’ to pop this balloon.

Stay tuned. It should be interesting.

The 32-year-old was released on bail and he has since promoted a GoFundMe page asking for money to help pay for his legal fees and restitutions.

The crowdfunder had a goal of $6,000 but at the time of writing it has raised $16,005. In a video shared after he was released, Hoyt spoke about his actions and said he would ‘do it again given the opportunity’.

He added any leftover money from the GoFundMe would go to the Republican party.

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Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.