Elderly woman in Edmonds charged with hate crime after she was allegedly attacked at a political rally

An 82-year-old woman in Edmonds was arrested on suspicion of committing a hate crime after police said she confronted two women during a political rally for a conservative candidate Monday afternoon.

According to investigators, a 55-year-old female victim told officers the suspect kicked her in the face and commented on the victim's clothing and skin color before the suspect pushed the victim and punched her in the chin. When the second victim, a 66-year-old, stepped between the suspect and the first victim, the suspect also hit her, according to police. Both victims suffered minor injuries.

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One of the victims, Hispanic Gina Powell, told KTTH host Jason Rantz that she and her friend were attending the small rally to support Donald Trump when the incident occurred.

“She looked me in the face and said, 'I can't believe you're voting for a racist… how dare you, you should be ashamed of yourself,'” Powell told Rantz.

When officers arrived, they interviewed witnesses and the older suspect. They said the suspect told them she couldn't understand why people of color would support the candidate in question. Officers said the suspect tried to push an officer while demonstrating how she was acting. Police said the suspect claimed she targeted the victims because of their race and political beliefs.

“The Constitution protects peaceful demonstrations in our community, and community members should never face violence while exercising these rights,” said Edmonds Police Chief Michelle Bennett. “Our officers concluded this was more than just an assault and arrested the suspect on the appropriate charges.”

The suspect was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of committing a hate crime under RCW 9A.36.080.

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“I am disheartened that this violence has occurred in our community,” responded Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen. “Elections are an important part of society and freedom of expression is the foundation on which democracy is built. Community members who peacefully show political support should not be victims of hateful violence. I am grateful there were no serious injuries and the suspect was held accountable.”

“I didn’t think it would bother me so much, but I didn’t sleep last night,” Powell added. “I literally have a stomach ache.”

Luke Duecy is a reporter, editor and host at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more stories from Luke here. Keep following Luke Xor send him an email here