Political violence and threats leave Arizona on edge
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
With the presidential election less than two weeks away, law enforcement has responded to several instances of violence and threats throughout metro Phoenix that appear politically motivated.
Why it matters: This election cycle — plagued by extreme polarization, rampant misinformation and assassination attempts — has the nation on edge.
- A majority of Americans anticipate there will be violence in the aftermath of the Nov. 5 election, according to a new Scripps News/Ipsos poll out Thursday.
The latest: Phoenix Fire reported that a drive-up mailbox outside of a post office near Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road containing about 20 mail ballots was set on fire early Thursday morning.
- Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force and U.S. Postal Inspectors are on the case, Capt. Rob McDade said in a statement. A suspect was arrested before noon Thursday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced. The suspect told investigators the act was not politically motivated, according to Phoenix Police.
- Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said in a statement that his office is waiting to learn more from law enforcement, but encouraged voters who used the mailbox recently to check their ballot status online.
On Wednesday, police arrested a 60-year-old Phoenix man in connection with three shooting incidents at a Democratic National Committee office in Tempe between Sept. 16 and Oct. 6.
- Tempe investigators said they also witnessed the man posting anti-Democratic signs around Ahwatukee and attaching plastic bags containing a white powdery substance labeled "BIOHAZARD" to the signs.
- He was charged with seven felonies and two misdemeanors, including felony terrorism counts. During the man's initial appearance, Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia said investigators found more than 120 guns at his home, and the county believes he "was preparing to commit an act of mass casualty."
Also Wednesday, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced a 17-year-old had been arrested on terrorism charges. Mitchell said the minor acquired materials to make an explosive device and expressed his intent to attack the Phoenix Pride Festival last weekend.
On Tuesday, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake posted on X that a suspicious envelope arrived at her campaign office. Phoenix Police later confirmed the substance in the envelope was non-hazardous.
What they're saying: "Threats, intimidation or violence toward political officials, no matter what party they are a part of, are completely unacceptable," Mitchell said during a press conference about the DNC shooting arrest. "These actions create fear, and they weaken the trust in our elections, and frankly, they weaken our system of democracy."
What we're watching: County elections officials have added multiple layers of security to vote centers and the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in hopes of keeping poll workers, voters and ballots safe.
- Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner told News 21 the security planning for election season mirrors the preparation for a major event like the Super Bowl.