WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A 76-year-old Lake Worth man was arrested Sunday afternoon after deputies say he struck a woman multiple times with a metal flagpole during a protest near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The incident happened around 1:25 p.m. February 15, 2026, in the area of 3650 Summit Blvd., across from the entrance to Trump International Golf Course at 3560 Summit Blvd., according to arrest information provided by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were monitoring a protest taking place along Summit Boulevard when they observed Paul Arthur Messer actively participating in the demonstration. Messer was holding a flag attached to a metal pole, authorities said.
During the event, Messer became involved in a verbal dispute with another protester, a woman who was also present at the gathering. The argument escalated. Deputies on scene reported that Messer struck the woman multiple times in the upper chest and neck area with the metal flagpole.
The woman stumbled backward and sustained visible redness to the right side of her neck, according to the arrest record.
Deputies took Messer into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
Jail records show Messer, who lists an address on Pisano Drive in Lake Worth, was booked at 2:39 p.m. February 15. He was charged with simple battery under Florida Statute 784.03(1)(a)1, described as “battery — touch or strike,” a misdemeanor offense. His bond was set at $1,000, which he later posted. Records indicate he was released from custody at 7:40 p.m. the same day.
A court docket entry shows the case has been assigned within the Palm Beach County court system, with an arraignment scheduled for March 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Lourdes Casanova.
Simple battery under Florida law involves intentionally touching or striking another person against their will. It is prosecuted in county court when charged as a misdemeanor.
The protest took place along Summit Boulevard, a heavily trafficked corridor in Palm Beach County. Trump International Golf Club has frequently drawn demonstrators during election cycles and political events.
Publicly available social media accounts associated with Messer include numerous posts critical of President Donald Trump and Trump supporters. One post from October 2020 references a pro-Trump rally, stating: “Great rally super spreader. Still not allowed to say in public that they will....but I expect they get what they deserve.”
The criminal charge stems solely from the physical altercation observed by deputies during Sunday’s protest. The case will proceed through the Palm Beach County court system, where prosecutors will determine how to move forward.
Messer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
