What to Know
- Paul Solovay, a supporter of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery after allegedly assaulting Warren's challenger
- Solovay was caught on video pushing a bullhorn into independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai's mouth before a town hall in Great Barrington
- Ayyadurai went to the hospital with abrasions and swelling
A supporter of Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been charged with assaulting one of her challengers during a campaign event in Massachusetts.
The Berkshire Eagle reports that 74-year-old Paul Solovay was caught on video Sunday pushing a bullhorn into independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai's mouth before Warren's town hall in Great Barrington. Ayyadurai and his backers were accusing Warren's supporters of racism.
Ayyadurai went to the hospital with abrasions and swelling. He told the newspaper he has the right to express his views without being "punched in the mouth."
Solovay, of Hillsdale, New York, pleaded not guilty Monday to assault and battery and was released. He and his attorney declined comment.
A Warren campaign spokeswoman said the "confrontation was wrong," and that town halls are meant to encourage "civil discourse."
