A 70-year-old man has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor simple assault and violation-level disorderly conduct following an incident at a polling place in Laconia, New Hampshire. The man, identified as Stephen Redic, was filmed slapping an 18-year-old volunteer for Turning Point Action, a political advocacy group, across the face.
The altercation occurred on Election Day outside the Woodland Heights School, where Turning Point Action had a table set up. Video of the incident, shared on social media, shows Redic confronting the young Republican, making a gesture with his middle finger, and then striking him before walking away.
During the exchange, Redic could be heard telling the volunteer, "You have no idea who I am, so how dare you say I don't know much." The victim responded calmly, stating that Redic had not presented any statistics, which appeared to further agitate Redic.
Turning Point Action praised the teenager for remaining calm during the confrontation. The group posted on X, "He stayed calm. The left got violent." They urged the public to "show up to the polls" and noted that "Your vote helps us outnumber these people."
Both the Belknap County Republican Committee and the Belknap County Democratic Committee issued statements condemning political violence. The Republican Committee stated they "condemn all forms of violence both in and outside of the political process" and "will not tolerate any such attacks as our fellow citizens practice our most fundamental right to engage in democracy." The Democratic Committee also affirmed their condemnation of "political violence of any kind."
Karoline Leavitt, former White House Press Secretary, criticized the incident on X, calling it "more despicable behavior from the left" and expressing trust that local police would handle the matter.
Redic is scheduled for arraignment in Laconia on December 10.