A North Carolina Republican Party office suffered major damage after being firebombed late Saturday or early Sunday in what a party official described as a “hate crime,” and which presidential nominee Donald Trump promptly blamed on rival Hillary Clinton.
An explosive device was thrown overnight through the window of the headquarters of the Orange County Republican Party while a swastika and the message, “Nazi Republicans, leave town or else” were painted in black on the side of a nearby building.
Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said Sunday that police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the incident, which he called “reprehensible.”
“This highly disturbing act goes far beyond vandalizing property; it willfully threatens our community’s safety via fire, and its hateful message undermines decency, respect and integrity in civic participation,” Mr. Stevens said in a statement. “I believe I speak for the overwhelming majority of people who make Hillsborough their home: Acts like this have no place in our community.”
Mr. Trump took to social media on Sunday evening and said the attacks were the work of Clinton supporters.
“Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning,” he claimed on Twitter.
Mrs. Clinton herself also reacted on Twitter, quickly disavowing the attack, calling it “horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.”
A bottle containing a flammable substance was thrown through a front window, causing damage to the interior and destroying furniture, but nobody was hurt, according to the North Carolina Republican Party.
Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse said he would request additional security at all state GOP offices and events through the Nov. 8 election in order to ensure the safety of volunteers and supporters.
“Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy,” Mr. Woodhouse said in a statement. “Whether the bomb was meant to kill, destroy property or intimidate voters, everyone in this country should be free to express their political viewpoints without fear for their own safety.”
He added, “We will not be deterred by this hate crime.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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