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Man shot with BB gun during political rally in Boynton Beach

'Political violence is not right by anybody,' Donald Tarca Jr. says
Picture of BB gun shooter at pro-Trump rally in Boynton Beach
Posted at 11:20 PM, Aug 18, 2022
and last updated 2022-08-19 09:15:04-04

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — As people wait for more answers in the Mar-a-Lago search, some in favor of former President Donald Trump have reported acts of violence and even vandalism over the last few months.

A group of people wearing shirts and waving flags gather every Thursday along Woolbright Road and Southwest Eighth Street in support of the former president, calling it "Freedom Thursday."

"We support President Trump, but it's really about our president and the rights that we're losing," Donald Tarca Jr. said.

The weekly tradition has been held for two years now, but what happened in April was an unexpected first.

"I spin around and look down the street and I see a black BMW going down the street with a gun hanging out the window firing at people," Tarca said.

Tarca said he was shot in the chest.

Cellphone video from April 14 shows the moment when the car drives by with what appears to be a BB gun aimed at the crowd.

Donald Tarca Jr. says he was shot by BB gun at pro-Trump rally
Donald Tarca Jr. says he was shot by someone with a BB gun in April while attending a rally in support of former President Donald Trump in Boynton Beach.

"Political violence is not right by anybody and it's a form of a hate crime to me," Tarca said.

Tarca said he filed a report with the Boynton Beach Police Department and while it's unknown if the incident was politically motivated, he now wears a body camera every week for his own safety.

"Why hurt somebody over a difference in opinion? It's never OK," fellow attendee Terry Williams said.

Williams said he's had about $150 worth of flags stolen. He welcomes Democrats and other political parties to attend their events and have a conversation as the group calls for peace.

"The direction of our country is here this November and, if we don't make major changes, we are in deep trouble," Williams said. "Deep trouble."

Boynton Beach police are still investigating the incident.

Tarca said he's considering taking legal action.