An assailant attacked an elderly man Wednesday afternoon outside his California home over a pro-U.S. and Trump-themed political display, his wife alleged.

Kerry Sheron was allegedly attacked shortly after 2 p.m. in Escondido, according to CBS 8. The Escondido Police Department (EPD) responded and discovered him seriously hurt and lying in the street. Sheron was hospitalized in critical condition as of Thursday, according to NBC San Diego. Maria Garcia, Sheron’s wife, said she suspects the attack may have been prompted by the political display outside her and her husband’s home, CBS 8 reported.

“They don’t like the flags. I don’t know why. I support America. My husband is [a] veteran,” Garcia said.

Footage uploaded March 3 on Sheron’s Facebook account shows U.S. flags and pro-President Donald Trump banners along the fence. The EPD is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to an EPD press release. Butler allegedly attacked Sheron and then fled. Garcia said Butler and her husband do not know each other. Butler has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.

An unidentified bystander who tried to offer help during the alleged attack was also hurt. The bystander told NBC San Diego that Sheron was standing in the front yard when the assailant allegedly approached him and attacked him. (RELATED: Volunteers Answer The Call After 98-Year-Old World War II Vet Dies With No Known Family To Attend Funeral)

“He tried to kill my husband, you know,” Garcia alleged. “It’s terrible. I don’t know what kind of hate… what heart, the black heart.”

The couple has previously received threats over their political display, NBC San Diego reported. Sheron alleged in the March 3 video that he had replaced flags after someone ripped them.

The couple’s neighbor, identified as Jeanne, said Sheron usually sits outside his home with a sign requesting that drivers honk as they pass by the display, according to CBS 8.

“…People go by, honk- and they honk, and he [Sheron] smiles at you and waves,” Jeanne said. “They mind their own business, they’re very caring people, and I just felt so bad, you know, when I heard that.”

Garcia said her husband, 69, is not anticipated to survive following the alleged attack, according to The California Post. Butler’s friend identified him as a Navy veteran suffering from “severe PTSD,” the outlet reported Thursday.

Meanwhile, Butler was due to appear in court Friday for arraignment, CBS 8 reported.

The Daily Caller contacted the EPD regarding the incident, but has not heard back as of publication.