Suspect arrested for assault at political rally in York

YORK, Pa. – A suspect is in custody for attacking a Democratic supporter at a rally in York yesterday, according to the York City Police Department (YCPD).

The York Democrats were holding a rally in Continental Square in downtown York on Sept. 27 to show their support for presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and the other Democratic candidates on the ticket when one of their members “violently” shortly before 2 p.m “was attacked.” according to a statement from the chairman of the York County Democratic Party.

The 74-year-old victim was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released, YCPD said. It arrested 59-year-old Robert Trotta for the attack and charged him with simple assault.

Although the attack initially appeared to be politically motivated, law enforcement officials say that may not be the case. Officers consulted with the York County District Attorney's Office and determined that Trotta had been arrested and charged under similar circumstances in two previous cases that did not involve attendees at a political rally.

The York Dems leader's statement reads in part:

There is absolutely no place for this violence in our democracy and in our society. We are a nation born for civil discourse that, at the end of the day, should end in a handshake, not violence. While it is easy to point fingers and blame, the reality is that this must end now! If we cannot have even one of the basic rights of freedom of assembly and expression without being physically attacked, it is not just an individual who is harmed, but the entire democracy.

Our prayers go out to the injured supporter and his family for a speedy recovery.

Eugene DePasquale (D), who is running for attorney general, responded to the incident with the following statement:

“I am shocked by another example of political violence. Alan is as good a person as there is and I'm glad he'll be okay. It is important that we all condemn this outrageous behavior and look out for each other, regardless of who we are.” vote for it.”