Arizona DNC Campaign Office Allegedly Shot at for the Third Time

Arizona authorities are on high alert as a Democratic National Committee (DNC) campaign office in Tempe becomes the target of what police believe to be a third shooting in just a few weeks.

At a Glance

The Tempe DNC office was allegedly shot at for the third time since mid-September.
Police have been searching for a suspect driving a silver Toyota Highlander.
All incidents occurred between midnight and 1 a.m., with no injuries reported.
The incidents come amid rising concerns about political violence ahead of the 2024 election.
A $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Series of Shootings Against Democratic Office

The Democratic National Committee campaign office in Tempe, Arizona, has reportedly been hit by multiple shootings, with the latest incident marking the third shooting in a matter of weeks. The Tempe Police Department, in collaboration with Silent Witness, is intensifying efforts to locate the suspect in the most recent incident.

The most recent alleged shooting occurred on October 6, shortly after midnight, when the office was struck by what police believe was gunfire. No one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries have been reported in any of the incidents. This pattern of late-night incidents has raised serious concerns about the safety of political offices and the potential for escalating violence as the 2024 election approaches.

A Democratic National Committee campaign office in suburban Phoenix has been struck in a third shooting in recent weeks, police said Wednesday. https://t.co/0nkpOxoLOR

— KVOA News 4 Tucson (@KVOA) October 10, 2024

Investigation Details and Public Appeal

Authorities have released information about the suspect’s vehicle in hopes of enlisting public assistance. Silent Witness described the car as “Possibly a 2008-2013 silver Toyota Highlander with a sunroof, roof rack and 5 spoke rims.” To encourage citizens to come forward with information, a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for tips leading to the suspect’s arrest.

The timing of these incidents is particularly concerning, as they occurred just days before Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to make a campaign visit to Arizona. The Tempe office is one of 18 Democratic field offices in the state, highlighting the potential for broader security implications across Arizona’s political landscape.

Escalation of Violence

The series of incidents has shown a worrying progression in severity. The first incident, which took place on September 16, involved pellet or BB gun rounds. However, the subsequent incidents on September 23 and October 6 reportedly escalated to actual gunfire, targeting the office’s door and windows. This escalation underscores the growing concern about political violence and the need for enhanced security measures.

“All three [shooting] incidents have occurred between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. Investigators are seeking any assistance regarding these incidents,” Silent Witness said.

The alleged shootings at the DNC office in Tempe come amid the broader context of political violence. Former President Donald Trump has been the target of alleged assassination attempts, while other politicians and judges have faced numerous threats, further highlighting the volatile nature of the current political climate. In response to these threats, the U.S. House has voted to require the Secret Service to apply the same protection standards for major presidential candidates as for sitting presidents and vice presidents.

As the investigation into the DNC office shootings continues, law enforcement officials are working diligently to analyze evidence and ensure the safety of political establishments across the state.