Man in Russian-language ‘MAGA’ hat beaten in Hermosa Beach; suspect arrested

A man suspected of attacking a Hermosa Beach restaurant patron who was wearing a Russian-language “Make America Great Again”cap was arrested Tuesday, police said.

Authorities said David Delgado, 32, of Winnetka approached the man in the restroom at Tower 12 on Sept. 2 and questioned him about the meaning of his hat. The white writing on the man’s red cap was in Russian but translated to President Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan, Hermosa Beach Police Sgt. Robert Higgins said.

At that point, Delgado repeatedly punched the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, police said. He continued striking the man before grabbing his hat and fleeing the restaurant with it, Higgins said.

Authorities were able to identify Delgado using “investigative resources” and surveillance footage from the restaurant, Higgins said.

Versions of the hat with the slogan in Russian are listed for sale on online retailers including Amazon and Etsy.

In 2017, actor Alec Baldwin, who regularly portrays Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing one, likely as a jab at the president over alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump has publicly criticized Baldwin for his portrayals of him on the show.

In the September attack, the motivation for the violence was not clear, police said.

Delgado was taken into custody early Tuesday at his home on suspicion of robbery and battery with serious injury. He is being held at the Hermosa Beach jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to jail records.