UMVA has learned that the man accused of attempting to murder the owner of the infamous "Trump House" in southern California is a Navy veteran struggling with mental health issues.
Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, is being held without bail in the Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County after allegedly attacking and critically injuring 69-year-old homeowner Kerry Sheron on Wednesday.
A friend of Butler's revealed that he has been taking medication for his mental illness, but it seems to have been ineffective, and his condition has been deteriorating.
The friend described Butler as someone who enjoys playing with Legos and Star Wars, but also someone who has been struggling with unemployment and paranoia, often thinking that everyone is out to get him.
Butler's alleged attack on Sheron has sent shockwaves through the community, with many still reeling from the violent incident.
Sheron's property, adorned with American flags and pro-Trump paraphernalia, has been a point of contention for years, with neighbors and residents occasionally complaining about the display, and the property has been targeted by vandals in the past.
The police responded to an assault report at the intersection of East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street, adjacent to the "Trump House," and found Sheron suffering from significant injuries.
A bystander who intervened during the alleged attack was also injured, and Butler fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police.
Sheron is currently in intensive care, and his wife, Maria Garcia, is devastated, saying she doesn't expect her husband to survive the attack.
Garcia believes the attack was politically motivated, fueled by hatred and intolerance.
Rep. Darrell Issa called for a full and immediate investigation into the incident, highlighting the disturbing trend of violence against Trump supporters.
The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, and many are still trying to make sense of the senseless violence.
