A Donald Trump impersonator has revealed that he fears for his life after he was choked by a senior citizen in a hotel lift in Las Vegas.
John Di Domenico, 62, who imitates the Republican presidential candidate in apolitical spoofs, has said that he now needs security staff for his shows due to escalating tensions in America.
The comedian's friends are said to have encouraged him to wear bulletproof vests following the attempted assassinations of the former President during the summer.
Over the past ten years, as Trump transformed from a renowned international businessman, known for his film and TV appearances, to the 45th President of the United States, Domenico has noticed that his own interactions with the public have changed significantly.
The comedian has had to organise security measures to protect him from abuse
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In 2018, Domenico - in full Trump make-up - found himself face to face with a senior citizen, who was fuelled with fury after one of the impressionist's gigs.
Explaining the shocking escalation, Domenico said: "An older gentleman turns and looks at me and my feeling is literally, okay we made it to the elevator."
"And in that thought, in that moment, he grabs my throat and he starts choking me."
"And my producer Jack said to the person, 'That's not him. It's not him.' And he goes, 'Yes, but it's what he stands for'.
"And he got his hands off and the doors open, the security came and got him. My feeling was I cannot be without at least one person, basically two."
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He has confirmed that, as a result, he has started to request security at his shows.
The impressionist believes that some individuals' feelings are boiling over when they see Domenico in his full Trump get-up, despite it simply being his "avatar".
Domenico said: "People say if you're doing anything outside, be careful, you better wear a bulletproof vest."
"I've got that from semi-serious people because you never know if someone wants to do another assassination attempt.
"Not on me but because I am like an avatar for him; it is not out of the realm of possibility that something could happen. All you need is someone to think I'm him.
Along with his impressions of Trump, Domenico has a varied repertoire, including imitations of Jay Leno, Mike Myers, Guy Fieri and Dr Phil
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"I don't feel that I'm going to be shot at, but in today's environment, you just don't know someone wanting to make a point.
"And it could be on both sides because one of the things is people think I'm mocking him, and then you have people think I am him until they get close enough and see that I'm not."
Domenico has taken on numerous roles throughout his career, including Jay Leno, Mike Myers, Guy Fieri and Dr Phil.
However, the popularity of his Trump impression was hugely boosted after Trump ran to become the Republican presidential candidate in 2015.
