LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Rand Paul supporter is being ordered to appear in court so a judge can decide whether charges are warranted after he was seen on TV stepping on a liberal activist’s head.
Lexington Division of Police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said Tuesday that officers will deliver a summons to Tim Profitt, a volunteer with the Republican’s U.S. Senate campaign. No date was given for the court appearance.
Lauren Valle, a 23-year-old with the group , was wrestled to the ground by Paul supporters when she tried to confront the Tea Party favorite with a fake award. Video of the incident showed Profitt with his foot on Valle’s head.
“I’m sorry that it came to that, and I apologize if it appeared overly forceful, but I was concerned about Rand’s safety,” Profitt told The Associated Press.
Valle said her face was swollen and her neck and shoulder were sore after the incident before a debate between Paul and Democrat Jack Conway.
“I think that this is an extreme example of the kinds of sentiments that people are feeling in many races across the country,” Valle said. “I think that tension is incredibly high.”
The Paul campaign has removed Profitt as Bourbon County campaign coordinator and barred him from campaign events.
