Kerry Sheron, the Southern California Army veteran widely recognized for owning the so-called “Trump House,” is in critical condition after suffering severe injuries during a violent assault outside his home. His family says his prognosis is extremely grim.
Police responded Wednesday to reports of an assault near the intersection of East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street, directly outside Sheron’s property, which has become well known for its large display of American flags, patriotic decorations, and signs supporting President Donald Trump.
When officers arrived, they found the 69-year-old veteran with life-threatening injuries. A utility worker who reportedly witnessed the attack intervened, helping restrain the suspect until law enforcement officers reached the scene.
Sheron was rushed to a nearby trauma center, where he remains in intensive care.
His wife, Maria Garcia, shared an emotional update, telling reporters that she fears her husband will not survive his injuries.
“He tried to kill my husband,” Garcia told CBS 8. “It’s terrible. I don’t know what kind of hate… what heart, the black heart.”
Garcia also suggested the assault may have been politically motivated, pointing to the home’s long history as a recognizable landmark for supporters of President Trump.
“They don’t like the flags. I don’t know why. I support America. My husband is a veteran,” she said.
Authorities arrested 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler, who has been charged with attempted murder. He is being held without bail at the Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County.
According to investigators, Butler fled after the attack but was quickly located and taken into custody. Police also said a bystander who stepped in during the assault suffered injuries while trying to help.
While investigators have not identified an official motive, people who knew Butler described him as struggling with serious mental health issues.
A friend told the California Post that Butler, a Navy veteran, had been receiving treatment for mental illness but had become increasingly paranoid in recent months.
“He sits in his room and thinks everyone is coming to get him,” the friend reportedly said, adding that Butler had been unemployed since leaving the military.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was politically motivated, and they continue to investigate all possible factors, including Butler’s reported mental health history.
Sheron’s home has previously drawn both supporters and critics because of its prominent political displays and has reportedly been vandalized in the past, leading some to speculate that politics may have played a role in the assault.
Representative Darrell Issa called for a “full and immediate investigation” and argued that supporters of President Trump have increasingly become targets of political violence. However, investigators have not publicly supported that conclusion.
For Sheron’s family, the focus remains on his condition rather than the motive behind the attack.
The utility worker’s intervention may have prevented an even more tragic outcome, but Sheron remains hospitalized in critical condition as Butler awaits further court proceedings.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and no additional details about what led to the confrontation have been released.
