Gunshots were fired at a campaign office for Vice President Kamala Harris in a Phoenix suburb, causing damage but no injuries, according to an Associated Press report on Monday.
The incident, which occurred just days before Harris’ scheduled visit to the state, is under investigation by Tempe police, who are treating it as a property crime since no one was present in the office at the time.
This marks the second such incident at the same office, following a September 16 shooting involving a BB or pellet gun.
Local media images showed multiple bullet holes in both the door and windows of the office.
Arizona Democratic Party coordinated campaign manager Sean McEnerney expressed gratitude for the quick response from police and relief that no one was injured.
The timing of the shooting coincides with a recent controversy surrounding Harris’ remarks about gun ownership during a live-streamed forum with Oprah Winfrey.
In the emotionally charged event, which began with a video of a school shooting and a heartfelt plea from a teenage gunshot victim’s mother, the discussion took a surprising turn when Winfrey asked Harris about her own stance on gun ownership. Harris responded, somewhat jokingly, “If someone breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.
“The remark, which diverged from her usual caution on gun safety topics, led Harris to quickly backtrack, acknowledging, “I probably should not have said that,” with a laugh, noting her staff would manage any fallout.
As Harris continues her campaign trail advocating for stricter gun control measures, the recent shooting incident at her office highlights the heightened tensions around gun safety and violence. Tempe police are continuing their investigation into both incidents at the campaign office.
