Attack on elder Trump supporter draws attention of Donald Trump Jr.

FALL RIVER -- The case of an elderly Fall River man who was assaulted while holding a Trump sign has drawn the attention of one of the president's sons.

In a Tweet Friday afternoon, Donald Trump Jr. asked for people to send him contact information for the man, a veteran, identified in a news broadcast as Charlie Chace.

"Awful," Trump Jr. said. "An 82-year-old wearing a Trump hat was attacked by a leftwing nut job in Massachusetts. All political violence is wrong, but what kind of person commits violence against an elderly man? If anyone has contact info for the victim please send my way."

The request has received more than 1,000 replies. Some respondents are including Chace's personal information in their tweets.

Fall River City Councilor Christopher Peckham was one of those to reach out.

"I was just with Charlie. Please feel free to reach out to me," he stated in his tweet. "He’s a good friend of mine."

The attack occurred Tuesday on North Main Street at the Airport Road rotary. Chace is known in the city for carrying his sign in that area and in front of One Government Center on occasion.

A 27-year-old Fall River man, Aidan Courtright, allegedly stopped his car at the rotary, got out and attacked Chace, who was holding a Trump sign.

According to Fall River police, Courtright then walked toward Chace while screaming, "Give me the f---ing sign!” He then grabbed the sign and ripped it in half, then grabbed the victim by his shirt, knocking his hat off and throwing him to the ground, police say. Then, Courtright kicked him in his ribs and legs while he was on the ground.

Courtright is charged with committing a civil rights violation with injury; assault and battery on a person over 60 years old; vandalizing property; and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 years old.

Courtright pleaded not guilty and was released, but was ordered to stay away from the victim and not take part in any online political activity.