70-Year-Old Man Arrested After Video Shows Him Slapping 18-Year-Old Republican Activist at Polling Station

A heated political confrontation outside a New Hampshire polling station ended with an elderly man allegedly striking an 18-year-old conservative activist across the face, in an incident captured on video that quickly spread across social media.

The confrontation took place on November 3, Election Day, outside Woodland Heights Elementary School in Laconia, where volunteers with Turning Point Action had set up a booth encouraging voter participation.

Footage showed a 70-year-old man confronting a young volunteer who was representing the conservative political organization. The discussion quickly became heated as the two exchanged words about politics and the man’s knowledge of the issues.

At one point, the older man angrily challenged the volunteer, questioning how he could suggest that he knew little about the subject. The teenager responded that the man had not presented any statistics to support his arguments.

The exchange escalated when the man raised his middle finger, stepped toward the teenager and appeared to slap him across the face with the back of his hand.

He then walked away while continuing to shout profanities. People nearby reacted with shock, with some calling for police to be contacted.

The victim was identified as an 18-year-old Turning Point Action volunteer from Connecticut. Local reporting identified him as Rainer Vesey, who had been working at the organization’s booth alongside his brother.

Laconia police initially launched an investigation into the alleged assault, reviewing video footage and speaking with witnesses.

On November 4, authorities identified the suspect as Stephen Redic, a 70-year-old Laconia resident. He was arrested at approximately 8 a.m. and charged with misdemeanor simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Police said the confrontation began when Redic approached the volunteer and wanted to read him a poem about wealthy people. A discussion followed before the situation allegedly turned aggressive.

Redic is scheduled to be arraigned on December 10. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The incident prompted condemnation from both Republican and Democratic organizations in Belknap County.

The Belknap County Republican Committee said it would not tolerate violence against people exercising their right to participate in the democratic process. The local Democratic committee also condemned political violence of any kind.

Laconia Mayor Mike Bordes, who also serves as a Republican state representative, said political disagreements should never turn into physical attacks.

Turning Point Action praised the young volunteer for remaining calm during the confrontation, sharing the footage online and calling attention to the incident.

The case has renewed concerns about hostility surrounding political activity at polling locations, where volunteers from opposing political groups are often present to engage with voters.

Source:  DAILYMAIL