Tempe, AZ – Police are on high alert outside a Democratic Party campaign office in Tempe following two shootings that targeted the office’s door and windows over the past week. Authorities have yet to identify a suspect or motive, leaving staff and volunteers on edge as political violence escalates during this campaign season.
The first incident occurred on Sept. 16, when pellet or BB gun rounds struck the office. A second shooting was reported on Sept. 23, with gunfire leaving multiple bullet holes in the windows. Fortunately, no one was inside the building during either attack, and there were no injuries, according to Tempe Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Cook.
“There’s a major division in this country, and it’s scary,” said Lindsay Bailey, who was at the office with her daughter to pick up a campaign sign when they discovered the bullet-riddled windows.
As detectives work to gather evidence, police have increased security measures to ensure the safety of campaign staff and others in the area. The Tempe location is one of 18 Arizona field offices for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, who is scheduled to visit the state later this week.
The shootings have further heightened concerns about political violence in the current election cycle, following two recent assassination attempts targeting former President Donald Trump.
Tempe police are investigating all possible motives behind the shootings, and are reviewing any potential security footage from the area.
For further updates, contact the Tempe Police Department.
