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Scott LoBaido said he created the 12-foot-high wooden "T" painted with an American flag in response to recent violence against Trump supporters. (Courtesy of the Von Agency)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Scott LoBaido is at it again.

The self-proclaimed "patriot" and Staten Island-based artist known for painting a series of American Flags across the Island and beyond said he created the 12-foot- high wooden "T" with an American flag on it in response to recent harassment of Trump supporters.

An eager crowd gathered on the lawn of Sam Pirozzolo's home at the intersection of Manor Road and Sturges Street in Castleton Corners to see the giant "T" unveiled by Lobaido on Thursday.

"I created the Patriotic Lawn 'T' so people can support the one candidate whose platform is to bring America back to greatness," said LoBaido, who has never hidden his conservative point of view.

"It's unfortunate and sad that in this free country if someone wears a T-shirt bearing the name of a certain presidential candidate they support, they will be bullied, harassed, and ridiculed by intolerant haters," said LoBaido.

"Many people have told me they have had to turn their political T-shirt inside out or take it off at work or school, or while attending a party. There have even been claims from homeowners that neighbors and community board members have asked them to remove lawn signs bearing the name of their chosen presidential candidate," he added.

Many Trump supporters attended the unveiling on Thursday.

"As a proud American, I am willing to continue the dialogue about politics in this country. People should look at this sculpture and think," said Pirozzolo.

Robert Susca, a Marine returning home from his tour of duty said, "I was driving by and saw this gigantic 'T' with an American flag painted on it, so I had to stop my car and find out what it was all about. I was thrilled to learn that it was created as a new way to show support for Donald Trump without being harassed. I think the artist is brilliant for creating it. Mr. Trump supports the Marines and I support Mr. Trump."



LoBaido also designed a patriotic T-shirt for Trump supporters. He said a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will be donated to Camp4Heroes, a North Carolina-based organization aimed at providing a camp for severely injured veterans, firefighters and police officers and their caregivers.

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