A pro-health care reform event in southern California turned surreally bloody last night, NBC Los Angeles reports. Opponents of the effort turned out to oppose supporters organized by MoveOn.org, and when a supporter crossed the street to challenge the other group, a brawl ensued. During the fisticuffs, a 65-year-old opponent of reform had part or all of his pinky finger bitten off, police said. Authorities are searching for the assailant.
MoveOn.org emailed Politico to issue a statement. “MoveOn condemns violence in all forms. We have seen passions run high on both sides,” writes a spokeswoman. “While we don't know if either party involved was a MoveOn member, we regret any violence that may have occurred yesterday, and we support the Ventura County Sheriff's investigation into the situation.” (More health care reform stories.)