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Police in Tempe, Arizona are investigating a gunfire incident in an office used by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign that was shot at, just days before Harris is scheduled to visit Arizona as she campaigns for president. Tempe police said in a statement to NBC News: “We can confirm that on 9/23/24, what appears to be damage from gunfire at … a DNC Campaign Office, was discovered.”
According to investigators, the office in Arizona used by the Harris campaign (which the local Democratic Party also uses) was shot at early Monday morning in the second apparent gun attack in a week. 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.
Police in Tempe, Arizona, responded to the office after they received calls from staffers about the damage. At least five bullet holes were found in the windows and the door. Tempe Police spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Cook told ABC News: “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.” Police said they were analyzing evidence and were taking “additional measures 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.
Arizona Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano condemned the vandalism in a statement to local 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.”
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