Rubio Volunteer In DeSantis Hat Attacked On Campaign Trail In South FL

HIALEAH, FL — A volunteer canvassing for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who is seeking reelection, was “brutally attacked by (four) animals” Sunday night in a Hialeah neighborhood, the candidate tweeted Monday morning.

The incumbent GOP candidate will face off against his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Val Demings, in the Nov. 8 general election.

The canvasser was wearing a t-shirt from the senator’s campaign, as well as a Gov. Ron DeSantis hat, according to the tweet.

His attackers “told him Republicans weren’t allowed in their neighborhood,” Rubio wrote.

The volunteer, who suffered internal bleeding and a broken jaw, will need facial reconstructive surgery.

The Miami New Times identified the victim as Christopher Monzon, president of the Miami Springs Republican Club and a former member of the white nationalist group Florida League of the South.

Demings’ representatives told the Tallahassee Democrat that she condemned the attack.

“Chief Demings strongly condemns all acts of violence, and the attackers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” according to a statement. “Campaign volunteers deserve to feel safe in every neighborhood, and we’re praying for a speedy recovery for the canvasser who was attacked last night.”

One suspect, 25-year-old Javier Jesus Lopez was arrested for the attack and charged with aggravated battery and causing great bodily harm, the Miami Herald reported.

While Rubio tweeted that the attack was politically motivated, his representatives wouldn’t tell the news outlet where they got their information, reports said. Lopez’s arrest report doesn’t mention his political affiliation or any mention of politics.

According to reports, the victim told police that while he was handing out flyers on E. 60th Street, just south of Amelia Earhart Park, Lopez told him, “You can’t pass by here. This is my neighborhood.”