He got the reaction he wanted, optics are not good for us. Need to take the hig roadr

I agree with the urge not to use violence. That said, this is not really a case of political violence. It doesn't seem like the guy in the cap was attending the rally/vigil/gathering/protest as a participant. I cannot watch his video, but from one description I read it said he was "having fun" and attempting to "engage the crowd" (this was on a RW site I will not link). It sounds like he was trying to provoke a reaction from a crowd at a tense moment (protest of police brutality).

Everyone seems to think he was attacked merely because of the hat, but he himself put that hat on and inserted himself into a crowd where he most likely did not agree with the crowd's purpose and protest.

I would appreciate it if anyone could provide further info on this, since RW sites all seem to say the beating was merely because of the hat.

against him. I'm not supporting violence, but just observing his behavior.

I don't feel bad for him.

"So you're fine?"
"Yeah but they took my hat signed by Trump"

hmm. minimal sympathy for mr. nicecar, but the mob violence, such as it was, does show an unfortunate lack of forethought and organization on the protesters' part. when people assemble peaceably for redress of grievances, public image is crucial and they pretty much ceded the high ground to a trump troll.