Man Yells Slurs, Runs Over Kentucky Jewish Community Member’s Leg Before Menorah-Lighting Ceremony

A man in Kentucky was injured just before attending a menorah lighting ceremony after a person yelling anti-Semitic slurs allegedly dragged him and ran him over with his car Saturday.

The incident occurred outside Chabad of the Bluegrass, a Jewish Student Center near the University of Kentucky, where people had gathered to prepare for the lighting ceremony of a menorah to mark the third night of Chanukah.

The unidentified man had pulled up near the site and started yelling anti-Semitic slurs, following which the victim walked up to the vehicle’s front door to prevent the driver from causing further harm, officials with the Lexington police department told the NBC-Affiliated WLKY-TV.

The man then grabbed the victim and accelerated his car. He then swerved and ran over the victim's leg before speeding off, the Chabad at the UK Jewish Student Center said on its Facebook page.

"The attacker grabbed the man and held his arm, dragging him for a block, and running over his leg," the post said. "The car then sped off."

According to the post, several children were also present in the front room as the congregation prepared to light the menorah.

Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, a member of the Chabad of the Bluegrass, said the victim refused to be treated until the menorah was lit. He was later taken to a hospital, WLKY-TV reported.

The suspect was described as a man in his mid to late twenties driving a black SUV, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported, citing Lexington Police Lieutenant Daniel Truex. Brenna Angel, a Lexington Police spokeswoman, said no arrests were made in connection with the incident and that an investigation was underway. "A detective will continue to investigate to determine if bias was a factor," Angel told the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Litvin told the Lexington Herald-Leader that the victim was discharged from hospital as of Sunday and was recovering at home.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton spoke out against the incident on Twitter.

"Racism and religious persecution have no place here," said Gorton. "Police have started an investigation into the criminal incident at Chabad of the Bluegrass on Saturday. Those who violated the law will be prosecuted. Let’s join in the spirit of Chanukah, a celebration of good over evil."