Giant T (for Trump) replaces one that was torched on lawn

Jerry Goldstein, a Trump supporter who said many borough residents are afraid to put signs in support of the Republican presidential candidate on their lawns, came back twice to visit the sign.

“All day, all night – I got out of here at like 11 o’clock – people coming and taking pictures”, LoBaido said. “But to burn this down, the man’s house is right here”.

Homeowner Sam Pirozzolo had it custom made to show his support, but just after 1 a.m. Sunday morning, while the family was sleeping their T was up in flames.

Today, the FDNY confirmed the original structure was intentionally burned to the ground earlier this week and that the matter is being investigated as an arson.

“From what I’ve seen these guys do, from taking soil samples; they’re gonna be checking for DNA all over the place”, Pirozzolo said.

Crowds cheered as Sam Pirozzolo’s raised a 16-foot, star-spangled “T” outside his home on Staten Island, less than two days after an arsonist torched a similar tribute.

Trump won 80 percent of the vote here in the NY primary, his best showing in any county in the state.

LoBaido said the original T was his response to harassment of Trump supporters, including signs with Trump’s name being pulled from their lawns.

“I said, ‘Don’t worry Mr Trump – tomorrow at three o’clock, I’m building and putting up a new one”.

Still, he says, this incident surprised him.

Pirozzolo, a community activist and staunch supporter of presidential candidate Donald Trump, addressed the unknown assailant who vandalized his property as a “coward” who won’t scare him into silencing his beliefs.

Neighbors said they will be vigilant.

“It’s a violation of his First Amendment rights”, said Rich Florintino. Some sang “God Bless America” while waving American flags.

In fact, Lobaido said a friend has offered to donate a surveillance system to keep a watchful eye on Pirozzolo’s property, should vandals try to damage the new plus-sized patriotic “T” emblem. He says it’s a work of art.