Tensions between political supporters may have crossed the line from rough and tumble politics to criminal assault outside of a candidates' debate in Kentucky.
Supporters of Republican US Senate Candidate Rand Paul, a Tea Party favourite, wrestled a woman to the ground after she tried to confront Paul, while wearing a blonde wig. Paul was entering a building where a debate was scheduled with Democrat Jack Conway.
The woman, Lauren Valle, from the liberal organization moveon.org was attempting to present Paul with a fake award.
One man allegedly put his foot on the head or neck area of Valle when she was on the ground.
Local media reported that Timothy Proffitt, a Rand volunteer, will be charged with fourth-degree assault for stepping on Valle's head.
Paul's campaign released a statement calling the scuffle "incredibly unfortunate" and expressed relief that Valle was not seriously injured.
The incident, while unusual, comes as candidates enter the final stages of a particularly heated campaign season across the United States. Elections are scheduled for November 2nd.