Laconia Man Charged After Election Day Polling-Site Slap
Police say 70-year-old Laconia resident Stephen Redic approached an 18-year-old at a Turning Point Action information booth outside Woodland Heights School on Election Day, November 3. The two argued, and Redic became increasingly agitated during the exchange, according to police Chief Matt Canfield.
Police said the younger man told them Redic struck him across the face. Video shared online appeared to show Redic arguing with the teenager, raising a middle finger and then slapping him before walking away. Police identified Redic with the help of video evidence and witnesses.
Redic was arrested on the morning of November 4. He faces one misdemeanor count of simple assault and one violation-level disorderly conduct charge, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Laconia on December 10.
Turning Point Action identified the young man as an 18-year-old and praised his composure during the confrontation, while describing the incident as political violence. Both the Belknap County Republican and Democratic committees condemned violence connected to political activity.
Election Day Clash Prompts Assault Charges in Laconia
A heated political exchange at a Laconia polling place ended with a teenager being struck, police say, and a 70-year-old man now faces assault and disorderly conduct charges. The incident took place November 3 outside Woodland Heights School, where Turning Point Action had set up an information booth.
Police Chief Matt Canfield said the 18-year-old told officers that Stephen Redic approached him and the two began debating. Redic allegedly grew increasingly agitated and struck the teenager across the face. Video shared online appeared to show the slap after an argument and an obscene gesture.
Redic was arrested November 4 and is due in court on December 10. Police said video evidence and witness accounts helped identify him. The county’s Republican and Democratic committees both condemned political violence.
Turning Point Action praised the teenager’s calm response and urged people to keep showing up at the polls. Political disagreement must not become physical intimidation; voters should be able to take part in public life without being struck for engaging with an advocacy group.
Teen Conservative Volunteer Slapped at New Hampshire Polling Site
An 18-year-old volunteering at a conservative group’s Election Day booth was allegedly slapped during a political argument outside Woodland Heights School in Laconia. The alleged attacker, 70-year-old Stephen Redic, was arrested the next morning and faces assault and disorderly conduct charges.
Police Chief Matt Canfield said the teenager described a debate that became increasingly heated before Redic allegedly struck him. Online video appeared to show Redic arguing, making an obscene gesture and slapping the young man. Police said they identified Redic through video evidence and witnesses.
Redic is scheduled to be arraigned on December 10. The Belknap County Republican and Democratic committees both condemned political violence, and Turning Point Action praised the teenager for staying calm.
The episode underscores the stakes of protecting open political participation: a young voter-facing volunteer should be able to speak with the public without facing violence. Turning Point Action urged supporters not to withdraw from polling places, while the criminal case proceeds.
Reported by Daily Mail US, Boston.com, The Boston Globe, Fox News, The Blaze, New York Post.
