An Arizona Democratic congressional candidate reported to police in August that she was raped while out fixing a campaign sign.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, who is running in the state’s 8th Congressional
District, said that she was out fixing a campaign sign when she was hit on the back of the head. Greene-Placentia said she awoke with her pants down and one of her attackers still assaulting her, according to an interview with the Phoenix New Times.
The assault appeared to be politically motivated, according to Greene-Placentia, who said she believes the main attacker called her a "Democratic b—h." She reported the assault Aug. 31, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, and went public with what happened in an interview with the New Times on Oct. 7.
USA TODAY has reached out to Greene-Placentia’s campaign for information. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Dave Moyer said police could not comment or share information as the investigation was ongoing.
Greene-Placentia said the attack happened two weeks before she reported it and took place in a parking lot in Sun City, about 16 miles outside Phoenix. A second attacker said "not even worth it" before walking away, Greene-Placentia recalled.
Greene-Placentia's assault allegation comes about a month ahead of the November midterms which are seen as a dire fight for Republicans to retain control of Congress amid the final term of President Donald Trump.
According to her campaign, Greene-Placentia, a former long-haul trucker, is known for a musical theater-inspired anti-ICE campaign song. She is running on a platform that includes lowering the cost of living, expanding healthcare and reforming the country’s immigration system.
The 8th District covers a staunchly Republican area northwest of the state capital and Greene-Placentia is running against GOP incumbent Rep. Abraham Hamadeh.
Arizona Democrats react
Several top Arizona Democrats responded on Oct. 7, calling the assault "absolutely heartbreaking and horrifying."
"I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear this news, and I’m thinking of Bernadette and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego said in a statement on X. "We cannot tolerate political or sexual violence in any form. Those responsible must be held accountable."
"This is absolutely horrific," said Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who represents Arizona's 7th Congressional District. "No one should ever have to experience such a horrific act of sexual violence."
USA TODAY has reached out Hamadeh's office and local Republicans for comment.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona candidate for Congress says she was raped while fixing campaign sign
