Alabama man who slashed open "Baby Trump" balloon raises $20,000

A man who slashed open a giant “Baby Trump” balloon with a knife during President Trump's trip to Tuscaloosa managed to raise approximately $21,000 with the help of a GoFundMe page titled “Restitutions for Baby Trump Stabber”. Hoyt Hutchinson, the 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with first-degree criminal mischief, however, Hutchinson was given bail on November 10. 

The description on the funding page read, “Hoyt made sure our beloved president didn't have to see this disrespectful balloon on the streets of Ttown today!!" 

The incident took place during President Trump's visit to watch the Alabama-Lousiana State football game. Jim Girvan, the organizer of the group protesting the US President's visit reportedly said that a man charged the balloon with a knife and cut an 8-foot-long gash in the back. Hutchinson after his bail posted a Facebook live video in which he said, “Some liberals tried to come to my hometown and start some trouble. That ain't happening. I did get arrested. I got charged. That's all right. I'd do it again given the opportunity”. The 32-year-old had also posted a pregame live video in which he claimed that he wanted to take down the Baby Trump balloon. 

READ: ‘Baby Trump’ Balloon Slashed At Alabama Appearance

READ: Museum Of London In Talks To Acquire Giant Donald Trump Baby Balloon

Baby Trump used to protest

Robert Kennedy, a volunteer told an international media outlet that the day had been going mostly smoothly before the man attacked the balloon with a knife. The orange, diaper-clad, cellphone-clutching 'Baby Trump' is often used to protest President Trump. The balloon made its first-ever appearance in London in 2018 where it was flown over Parliament Square during the US president's working visit to the UK. A website now also loans out six giant balloons and tracks its appearance at Trump's visit. The protest organizers have also raised several thousand dollars to bring the balloon replicas around. Earlier this year, the museum in London also wanted to acquire the giant orange balloon.

READ: ‘Baby Trump’ Balloon Slashed At Alabama Appearance

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