Army Veteran Known For 'Trump House' Dies After Being Attacked Outside MAGA-Themed Home

ESCONDIDO, CA — A U.S. Army veteran known for displaying pro-Trump banners and flags outside his home died after he was violently attacked near his Escondido residence last week, authorities said.

Kerry George Sheron, 69, the owner of the so-called Trump House, remained hospitalized in critical condition until he died Sunday, according to the Escondido Police Department.

Officers responded at 2:14 p.m. May 20 to a report of an assault near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street and found Sheron suffering from significant injuries, police said. A bystander who intervened during the attack was also injured.

Investigators said the suspect fled before officers arrived, but police later arrested Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, of Escondido, near East Mission Avenue and Begonia Street after locating a man matching the suspect's description.

Butler was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of attempted murder. Following Sheron's death, the case was being reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to determine whether charges would be amended, police said.

Butler, a U.S Navy veteran, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of attempted first degree murder, battery, elder abuse and making criminal threats. He was being held without bail and was scheduled to appear in court on June 3.

“It's unclear at this moment if they knew each other,” Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia told NBC7. “What I can say is that it was an unprovoked attack.”

Authorities have not released a motive in the assault. Sheron's wife told NBC7 the couple previously experienced harassment and threats related to the political signs at their home, though she said prior incidents had never turned violent.

Security video from across the street showed the altercation. A witness told reporters the homeowner was standing in the front yard when the suspect reportedly came up and attacked him.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the department at 760-839-4722 or Detective Patrick Hand at 760-839-4985, referencing case No. 26004339.

City News Service contributed to this report.