The campaign office shared by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Democratic Party in Tempe, Arizona, was damaged by gunfire for the third time in less than a month on Sunday, police told ABC News on Wednesday.
The Tempe Police Department provided new details in its investigation, including a picture of the suspect’s vehicle it says is possibly a 2008-2013 silver Toyota Highlander, and announced that Silent Witness was offering up to a $1,000 reward “for any information that leads to the arrest or indictment of the suspect(s) involved in this crime.”
In this Sept. 25, 2024, file photo, bullet holes remain in the glass window at a Democratic Party campaign office in Tempe, Ariz.
Gabriel Sandoval/AP, FILE
The shooting occurred between midnight and 1 a.m., around the same time the previous two incidents occurred, police said. No one was injured in any of the three shootings.
Harris is scheduled to travel to Arizona on Thursday for a rally and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was in the state on Wednesday.
Silent Witness
After the second shooting on Sept. 23, police said they were taking “additional measures… to ensure the safety of staff and others in the area.” A motive for the shooting has not been determined as the investigation continues, according to police.
The office was shot at on Sept. 16 in an incident police said appeared to involve a BB or pellet gun. Police said that shooting caused “criminal damage.”
Law enforcement around the country is under heightened alert over an increase in political violence threats.
The Harris campaign office in Arizona has been the target of a third shooting within the span of just one month, raising concerns about the safety and security of political campaign offices in the state. The latest incident occurred late last night, when gunshots were fired at the office building, causing damage to the windows and walls.
This is not the first time that the Harris campaign office has been targeted by violence. Just two weeks ago, a similar shooting occurred at the same location, and a month prior to that, there was another incident of vandalism at the office. These repeated attacks have left campaign staff and volunteers feeling vulnerable and fearful for their safety.
Local law enforcement officials are currently investigating the shootings and are working to determine if they are connected in any way. So far, no suspects have been identified, and it is unclear what the motive behind the attacks may be. However, given the timing and frequency of the incidents, many are speculating that they may be politically motivated.
In response to the shootings, the Harris campaign has increased security measures at their office, including hiring private security guards and installing surveillance cameras. Campaign staff have also been advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
The violence directed at the Harris campaign office is deeply concerning and goes against the principles of democracy and peaceful political discourse. It is essential that all individuals and groups involved in the political process be able to express their views and engage in campaigning without fear of violence or intimidation.
As the investigation into these shootings continues, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies work diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible. In the meantime, the Harris campaign and other political organizations must take steps to ensure the safety of their staff and volunteers, and to send a clear message that violence has no place in our democratic society.
