California man assaults bar patron for wearing Russian 'MAGA' hat, now faces four years in prison
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A California man, who allegedly assaulted a bar patron at a bar in Los Angeles over a hat emblazoned with the words "Make America Great Again" in Russian, is reportedly facing four years in prison, prosecutors have said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office revealed in a press release how 32-year-old David Delgado pleaded no contest to a felony count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury on Wednesday in connection with the attack at the Hermosa Beach bar on September 2, NBC News reports.
The DA's office said the plea agreement calls for four years in prison in exchange for the no-contest plea. However, sentencing is entirely up to the judge.
According to the report, a no-contest plea is not a guilty plea but results in a conviction nonetheless.
Police said Delgado, who hails from the Winnetka neighborhood of Los Angeles, confronted the victim in the men's room of Tower 12, 53 Pier Ave., asking him what was written on the hat. When the victim responded saying it was a "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) hat in Russian, Delgado became enraged and assaulted him, per prosecutors.
Police revealed how Delgado repeatedly punched the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. And according to the DA's office, the victim suffered serious injuries from the assault.
Authorities used surveillance video and other supporting evidence to identify Delgado as the suspect, noting how he stole the hat following the attack and fled from the scene.
The alleged attacker, whose attorney is yet to respond to a request for comment, was arrested at his home in the San Fernando Valley nearly a month after the alleged assault on October 1, authorities said.
While it is unclear whether the victim is a Donald Trump supporter, "Make America Great Again" was the president's slogan during his 2016 campaign.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Delgado is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28 in Torrance Superior Court.