A New York City art gallery owner, who claimed he was beaten on Tuesday by a group of teens enraged by his “Make America Great Again” hat, was asking for it, according to numerous users on social media.

Jahangir “John” Turan, 42, told local outlet Fox 5 NY that a group of 15 “kids” viciously stomped him, smashed his face into a scaffold and shouted “Fuck Trump” after spotting him walking down the street while wearing a MAGA hat.

Turan had purchased the cap, indicative of his support for President Donald Trump, at Trump Tower earlier in the day.

His injuries, a cheek fracture and badly swollen eye, were severe enough that Turan said he is seeing an eye specialist to determine if he’s suffered permanent damage to his sight.

During a Thursday press conference, Turan called on the New York City Police Department to track down the individuals responsible.

MORE: Woman Who Attacked Man in ‘MAGA’ Hat Gets Arrested by ICE





“It’s sad to get beat up for wearing this hat. This is America,” Turan said.

Jahangir Turan was asking for it, Trump critics claim

Commenters on social media were divided. While some Twitter users were appalled, others appeared to condone the violent act on the basis of the MAGA hat’s alleged status as a hate symbol.

“Everyone should know that; that hat, represents hate and bigotry…if you want to show off that you support that bigot, expect plenty of negative reaction,” one commenter tweeted.

It's his own fault. Maybe he shouldn't dress that way. — Sixth_of_Six (@BobPollard16) August 1, 2019

Another user opined that the hat is “divisive” and that since Turan “chose to get the hat in the first place, he should accept the consequences of his choice to possibly provoke others.”

I don’t condone violence, but maybe not wear a klan hat?— Travis (@travyshaff) August 1, 2019

“It’s his own fault. Maybe he shouldn’t dress that way,” tweeted another commenter.

While still another replied to the news by simply tweeting: “Don’t wear a MAGA hat.”

MORE: Liberal Artist Turns MAGA Hat Into Actual Hate Symbol – Gets Her Business Shut Down

Meanwhile, some Trump supporters and conservatives predicted that Turan’s case, unlike the controversial January incident involving alleged hate-crime hoaxer Jussie Smollett, would be largely ignored by major media outlets.

While Jessie Smollett & Erica Thomas got 24/7 tv coverage for their made up anti-Trump hoaxes, Trump supporters are actually being physically assaulted for wearing MAGA hats.. Crickets from CNN, MSNBC, Good Morning America, and other “news networks”… These are hate crimes https://t.co/v5h7MRUmuJ— Tommasino (@TFav93) August 1, 2019