Brown event "tomahawk chop" video causing controversy on campaign trail

WWLP TV

Updated: Sep 26, 2012 9:36 AM

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) — A controversial new video on the Internet is bringing some negative attention to Senator Scott Brown's re-election campaign.

In it, a group of Brown's supporters got a little wild at a recent rally, yelling war chants and making tomahawk gestures; an apparent reference to his Democratic opponent, Elizabeth Warren, who has claimed Indian heritage.

The video was taken at a rally on Saturday in Dorchester, and posted online by the Democratic-leaning website Blue Mass Group.

A Massachusetts Republican party spokesman told the Associated Press that one of its field coordinators, Brad Garnett, is seen in the background leading the chants.

State Democratic officials say Senator Brown's staff member Jack Richard, can also be seen in the video making tomahawk motions.

Brown's campaign, however, would not say if any campaign staffers were involved.

Warren expressed how appalled she was, and said if something like this were to happen with her staffers, there would be “consequences.”

Brown says he does not support the taunts, and plans to speak to his staff.

Meanwhile, the race remains one of the most closely watched in the nation, with the latest poll released Wednesday by Rasmussen Reports showing that the two candidates are tied at 48-percent each among likely voters.

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