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A Florida man is accused of grabbing women by the throat after an argument at a polling station

A Florida man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly grabbing two different women by the throat during an argument over voting for political candidates at a polling station.

Stuart McMillan, 71, got into a verbal argument with two women about their voting for political candidates around 12:30 p.m., and an argument ensued, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

McMillan allegedly pulled one of the women's flags to the ground and grabbed her by the throat and hair. HCSO deputies said. When the other woman came to her aid, he also reportedly grabbed her throat.

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Stuart McMillan, 71, is accused of grabbing two women by the throat at a Florida polling station after an argument broke out over which political candidate they voted for. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office/Getty Images)

Although the sheriff's department did not specify which candidates the opposing parties were supporting, Rep. Danny Alvarez, who represents House District 69 in Hillsborough County, reportedly witnessed the altercation.

Alvarez, a Republican and Army veteran, said the women held flags supporting Vice President Kamala Harris while McMillan showed up waving a Donald Trump flag.

According to FloridaPolitics.com, he claimed that an argument ensued, followed by fighting with their flags and then alleged throat grabs by McMillan.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris

The two women reportedly held flags supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, while McMillan appeared waving a Donald Trump flag. (Dilara Irem Sancar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“It looked like they were playing swords with flags,” said Alvarez, who reportedly helped break up the altercation.

The incident occurred near the Palmetto Club at the Fishhawk Ranch polling site in the Tampa suburb of Lithia, where deputies say the victims and suspect were exercising both their right to vote and their right to free speech.

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“Our community is built on respect and understanding, even when opinions differ,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Violence has no place in our community and we will hold accountable anyone who disrupts the safety and civility of our neighborhoods here in Hillsborough County.”

McMillan was arrested and charged with two counts of assault.

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In a deep red state that President-elect Donald Trump won easily, Hillsborough County had a fairly narrow lead: Trump received 341,323 votes (50.9%) to Vice President Kamala Harris' 320,663 votes (47.8%).

Hillsborough County was the closest edge Victory for Trump in the greater Tampa Bay area.

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