Police report damage to Harris campaign office in Arizona caused by gunfire

An office in Arizona used by Kamala Harris’ campaign was shot at early Monday morning in the second apparent gun attack in a week, according to investigators.

Police in Tempe, Arizona, responded to the office, which the local Democratic Party also uses, after they received calls from staffers about the damage. At least five bullet holes were found in the windows and the door.

“No one was inside the office during the overnight hours, but this raises concerns about the safety of those who work in that building, as well as those nearby,” Tempe Police spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Cook told ABC News.

Tempe police said they were analyzing evidence and were taking “additional measures” after the shooting “to ensure the safety of staff and others in the area.” A motive for the shooting has not yet been determined and the investigation continues, according to the police.

The same office was shot at just a week prior, on Sept. 16, in an incident the police said appeared to involve a BB or pellet gun. That shooting also happened just after midnight and caused “criminal damage,” according to the police.

Arizona Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano condemned the vandalism in a statement to ABC News Phoenix affiliate KNXV.

“It’s extremely sad that the Arizona Democratic Party has become the target of violence — it’s not who we are as Arizonans or Americans. We are working with law enforcement to ensure this threat is taken seriously and that our staff members are safe while they’re at work,” she said in a statement.

Law enforcement around the country is under heightened alert over an increase in political violence threats.

Harris is scheduled to visit Arizona on Friday.

Police in Arizona have reported that a campaign office for Democratic Senate candidate Mark Kelly, located in downtown Phoenix, was damaged by gunfire on Tuesday night. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political campaign offices and the potential for violence in the lead-up to the November election.

According to police reports, the damage to the office was discovered early Wednesday morning when staff arrived to find several bullet holes in the windows and walls of the building. Fortunately, no one was inside the office at the time of the shooting, and there were no injuries reported.

The campaign office is being used by Kelly’s team as they work to secure a Senate seat in Arizona. Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy pilot, is running against incumbent Republican Senator Martha McSally in a closely watched race that could help determine control of the Senate.

In a statement following the incident, Kelly condemned the violence and called for unity in the face of political differences. He emphasized the importance of peaceful discourse and respectful debate in a democracy.

The shooting at Kelly’s campaign office comes amid a tense political climate in the United States, with heightened tensions surrounding issues such as racial justice, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming presidential election. Campaign offices and political events have become targets for violence in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of candidates, staff, and volunteers.

Law enforcement officials are investigating the shooting at Kelly’s campaign office and have not yet determined a motive or identified any suspects. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased security measures at political events and campaign offices, as well as the importance of promoting civility and respect in political discourse.

As the investigation continues, Kelly’s campaign team is working to repair the damage to the office and ensure the safety of their staff and volunteers. The incident has sparked a conversation about the need for greater protection for political candidates and their supporters, as well as a renewed commitment to promoting peaceful and constructive dialogue in the midst of political disagreements.