Politics & Government
'Baby Trump' Balloon Slashed At Tuscaloosa Protest, Man Arrested
A man was charged Saturday in Tuscaloosa after police said that he slashed a "Baby Trump" balloon at a protest.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Talk about letting the air out of a protest. That's what happened Saturday as people were in Tuscaloosa protesting the visit of President Trump, who was in town to watch the Alabama-LSU game.
It was early Saturday afternoon and about 30 people had gathered in Moonish Park to protest the president's arrival.
As part of the protest, organizers had raised more than $7,000 to bring one of the so-called "Baby Trump" protest balloons that have become popular since the first one was floated during the president's 2018 visit to London.
Find out what's happening in Birminghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A man approached the group, took out a knife, and slashed an 8-foot long gash in the 20-foot balloon. He tried to flee.
Tuscaloosa Police say they quickly arrested 32-year-old Hoyt Deau Hutchison of Tuscaloosa and charged him with criminal mischief.
Find out what's happening in Birminghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police say that Hutchison, who has since been released, had posted videos before and after the attack, claiming responsibility.
He has created a GoGundMe page to raise money for his defense.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.