Former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family attended a party last Saturday that ended in a brawl.
The party was thrown to celebrate the birthday of twin brothers Matt and Marc McKenna. Anchorage blogger Amanda Coyne first broke the story and described the gathering as an "unofficial birthday/Iron Dog-type/snowmachine party." The New York Times later added that the party was attended by "snowmobile racers, construction workers and other longtime Alaskans." It was held in a suburban Anchorage neighborhood:
The Palin family rolled up to the party in a stretch Hummer limo.
All accounts of the party mention the Hummer. Real Clear Politics reporter and Palin biographer Scott Conroy tweeted Friday that the limo was chosen for the birthday of Sarah's husband Todd Palin:
Am told the stretch hummer was indeed on account of Todd turning the big 5-0. Celebration and all.
Conroy tweeted that a source had provided him with the Palins' side of the story.
At some point during the party, Palin's son Track began fighting with another person.
Witnesses said Track confronted his sister's ex-boyfriend. The Times reported it was Willow's ex, but according to Conroy's source, it was Bristol's who started the trouble:
So they get to the party, and according to the Palin side (again, this is their version), Bristol's ex-boyfriend was the instigator.
The fight escalated and about 20 people got involved.
Police told The Alaska Dispatch News that 20 people ultimately ended up in the fight. Coyne wrote that the brawlers were screaming, swearing and punching each other.
Among those throwing punches: Bristol Palin. Multiple accounts mention the former governor's oldest daughter joining the fight, with Coyne adding that she apparently punched the party's host in the face.
Todd apparently ended up with a bloody nose, and was seen choking another man.
Then Sarah stepped in.
It's not clear what Sarah Palin's role was in all of this. Conroy says she went "full Mama Grizzly" but didn't elaborate on what that meant. Various accounts mention Sarah yelling, but apparently not getting physical.
A physical fight ensued, with Track and several other guys at the center of it. Sarah Palin at this point went "full Mama Grizzly," I'm told
Sarah Palin was yelling a lot, reminding the guys that were fighting with Track that her son is a veteran.
The Palins eventually left in their Hummer limo, but according to The Times not before Sarah "unleashed several rounds of profanity."
Eventually the police came and broke things up.
Authorities are still looking into the fight and no one has been charged. A statement issued to multiple news outlets stated that alcohol was a factor.
And finally: Sarah Palin wore red, white, and blue shoes to the party/brawl.
Both Conroy's account and Coyne's mention Sarah's shoes.
One detail here that's important to remember: Sarah Palin was wearing red, white and blue high tops.
Anchorage police, various witnesses, and the owner of the home where the party took place did not return phone calls seeking comment from BuzzFeed News.