Trump campaign office in Georgia

A chaotic scene unfolded at the opening of Donald Trump's campaign office in Valdosta, Georgia, when a physical altercation broke out between conservative activist Sam Carnline and Republican State Representative John LaHood, following a heated discussion about election security. Carnline, who advocated for paper ballots and challenged LaHood's stance on election measures, claimed that Brandon Phillips, an aide to Rep. Mike Collins, spat in his face, prompting him to retaliate. Witnesses reported conflicting accounts, with some claiming Carnline instigated the violence by shoving Phillips. Despite Phillips denying the spitting allegation, police reports indicated that he was seen as the instigator who intervened in the argument. Both parties agreed to separate without further legal action, with Phillips defending his actions by stating he was protecting LaHood from outside agitators. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the GOP over election integrity issues following Trump's narrow loss in Georgia during the 2020 presidential election.