An argument over Georgia election security broke out into a physical fight at a Peach State campaign office opening for former President Donald Trump.
As Georgia Republicans celebrated the opening of a new Trump campaign office in Valdosta on July 29, a conservative activist confronted a state legislator, according to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Sam Carnline was reportedly debating Republican state Rep. John LaHood, who supported changes to the state’s election laws, when GOP operative Brandon Phillips tried to break up the scene.
Phillips, a top aide to Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), allegedly spit on Carnline and instigated the brawl, according to a law enforcement officer’s testimony in a police report. Phillips denied spitting on Carnline.
In 2022, Phillips was arrested on charges of animal cruelty to a dog, according to a booking report. The political operative resigned as Trump’s Georgia state director in 2016 after two 2008 arrests, for which he eventually pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing and battery.
Carnline admitted in an interview with the outlet that he shoved Phillips, saying he was upset that he allegedly insulted his family.
After Phillips tried to get Carnline to stop talking to Lahood, Carnline said, “I probably pointed at him and told him to get away from me. He immediately spit in my face. And at that point, I pushed him and shoved him as hard as I could.” The conservative activist added, “He deserved it.”
Phillips defended himself, saying, “I certainly don’t mind defending any volunteers or officials who are trying to contribute in a positive way toward a Trump victory from outside agitator with the opposite agenda.”
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No charges were filed.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump campaign, the Georgia GOP, and Valdosta police for comment.
