While the Senate debate between Democrat Jack Conway and Republican Rand Paul was more civil than the last, events prior to the event turned violent last night in Lexington, Kentucky.
Joshua Greene at The Atlantic posted a video from a local Fox affiliate showing supporters of Rand Paul stomping on the head of a woman who said she was with MoveOn.org.
According to Sherelle Roberts, a public information officer with the Lexington Police, and verified by the video, the woman was going to present Paul with a satirical “Employee of the Month Award,” when she was attacked by supporters of the GOP candidate.
The video shows a group of men ripping off the woman’s blonde wig and wrestling her to the ground. Then, one man stomps down upon her head.
Roberts said an emergency medical squad was called, but that the woman, identified in the Louisville Courier-Journal as Lauren Valle, refused care. Roberts said Valle was up walking and talking after the incident and is seen in the local newscast speaking with the press.
No arrests have been made, but Roberts said they have a lot to go on.
“The suspect has not been identified, but the video makes it clear who is involved,” she said. “With so many people seeing this video, we are also asking for public assistance.”
Roberts said there was also a second criminal report filed from the debate, regarding another woman who was recovering from her foot being stomped on.
Justin Ruben, the Executive Director of MoveOn.org called the assault a "horrible act."
“We're appalled at the violent incident that occurred at the Kentucky Senate debate last night," he said in a statement. "This kind of violence has no place in American society, much less at a peaceful political rally.
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