A 24-year-old Southern California artist who painted a portrait of Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in the nude said she was punched in the face by an attacker who yelled "Trump 2016."

The Los Angeles Police Department was investigating the assault Tuesday, but Illma Gore said the attack wasn't the first she has dealt with since painting Trump in a portrait depicting the GOP front-runner with small genitals.

"I have received threats of violence and people say they were coming to kill me," Gore said.

Illma Gore

On Friday, Gore was suddenly confronted by a violent, shirtless stranger in broad daylight. She was walking to an art supply store near La Cienega Boulevard at the time.

"All I could hear was 'Trump 2016,'" Gore said.

A group of men traveling in a black Honda Civic stopped beside her on the sidewalk, according to Gore.

"He got out and punched me in the face and said 'Trump 2016' — then he drove off," Gore said.

Gore went to the LAPD and immediately reported the assault.

"She sustained severe injuries," said Mike Lopez of the LAPD. "We are aware of the incident and we are investigating."

Gore's controversial pastel drawing of a naked Donald Trump — titled "Make America Great Again" — shows the Republican front-runner with small genitals because of how he was "boasting" about his endowment during the March presidential debate, she said.

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"I have no regrets. I would do it all over again," Gore said.

But it does make her concerned about free speech.

"I am scared for America, and for the future for myself and for artists," Gore said. "Whoever hit me should take responsibility for their actions as well. It's cowardly not to."

In an interview with police, Gore described the man who hit her as shirtless and wearing a red cap and red shorts. She estimated he was about 25 years old.

The LAPD is looking into whether any surveillance from the area may help lead to an arrest.