UPDATE: Officials have determined that a device used to start the fire “was researched.” The device was thrown through a window and exploded shortly thereafter. A “good image” of the perpetrator was captured by a surveillance camera in the area.
PHOENIX — An arson investigation is underway, according to Phoenix Police, after a fire destroyed part of the Arizona Democratic Party building. The fire broke out at approximately 1:00 a.m. Friday at the facility near Thomas Road and Central Avenue.
No injuries have been reported.
Chairman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party, Steven Slugocki, released a statement saying his staff was “speechless.”
“Our organization has worked out of this building for over a decade. It has been home to thousands of volunteers, candidates, supporters and friends. Memories were made, victories were celebrated, and lifelong friendships have been forged. While this poses new challenges in an already critical election, we want to assure you that this will not hinder our efforts to elect Democrats across the county. We will continue to lead and we are ready to win.”
Republican Party of Arizona Chairwoman Kelli Ward commended the Phoenix Police and Fire Departments for their “quick work in ascertaining the cause of this act of cowardice. Violence of any kind is unacceptable. Any person committing an act of violence, especially politically motivated violence, against any individual, party, or group in Arizona must be held accountable and prosecuted to the maximum extent of our laws. Arizona Republicans look forward to meeting the Democrats on Election Day as opponents on the field of ideas. Arizona’s political leaders should take this opportunity to remind Arizonans of all backgrounds that while we may have differences on political issues and policy, ultimately we are all Americans and must treat each other as such.”
Friends, the headquarters for our county party office just had a fire break out. Nobody was injured but we need help to recover. Can you give a few dollars here to help @MaricopaDems out?
Donate here: https://t.co/G0zpx0wkV7 pic.twitter.com/jTYOyZ5kqR
— Jevin D. Hodge (@JevinforAZ) July 24, 2020
Devastated.
We lost our side of the building at the Maricopa County Democratic Party. The fire completely destroyed everything.
Heartbreaking. @MaricopaDems pic.twitter.com/GGvnzVkWCl— Steven Slugocki (@Slugocki) July 24, 2020
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