https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/lo ... 5501305002
If Democrats lose any really close races in Arizona, we can probably blame it on this act of terrorism.Investigators believe a fire that caused extensive damage to the state Democratic Party headquarters early Friday in downtown Phoenix was intentionally set.
Heavy smoke and fire were billowing from the building around 1 a.m. near Central Avenue and Thomas Road as Phoenix firefighters arrived on scene. They quickly entered the building to search for persons and began a fire attack to put out the flames, according to officials.
No one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Phoenix Fire Investigation Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigators were investigating the fire. Phoenix police spokeswoman Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said the incident is being investigated as an arson based on evidence discovered at the scene.
Phoenix police also responded to the fire to assist with security and traffic control of the area, according to Sgt. Mercedes Fortune, spokesperson for Phoenix police.
More information will be released as it becomes available, according to Fortune.
Anyone with pertinent information should call Phoenix police at 602-262-6151, Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or 480-837-8446 for Spanish.
Felecia Rotellini, chair of the state Democratic Party, learned of the fire early at 2 a.m. after the security system went off and staffers made her aware.
A fire started early Friday morning at the Arizona Democratic Party building in downtown Phoenix. Phoenix firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the structure when they arrived and were able to put out the fire. No one was in the building at the time of the fire and the cause is under investigation.
“At this point, it’s too soon to tell,” she said, referring to the extent of the damage. “The investigators are scheduled to be at the scene at 8 a.m. so we don’t know anything right now, but we’re very fortunate that everyone is safe and in this virtual environment. We can continue to run the party and do everything we need to do for November.
"While this is devastating, our eyes are on the prize in November and this just makes us stronger,” she said.
The fire appeared to have caused extensive damage, particularly on the north side of the building where the Maricopa County Democratic Party works from.
Steven Slugocki, county party chair, said he believes all of their computers, phones, desks, and files were lost in the fire.
“It's a devastating loss for us and I'm truly heartbroken,” Slugocki told The Arizona Republic.
The fire comes as the county Democratic party was set for its summer convention Saturday.
More than 700 Democrats from across Maricopa County were to attend the virtual event, where candidates make their pitch to voters, raise money and talk about the party’s activities heading into November.
It’s unclear how the fire will affect the event, said Slugocki.
Sen. Kamala D. Harris, D-Calif., was to address county Democrats with a pre-recorded message.
While it’s too early to know the cause of the fire, Slugocki said he is thankful no one was hurt.
"Maricopa County Democratic Party is not stopping at this office, we're still going to continue our work," he said. "We're going to find a way to rise above this and continue the work that we are supposed to be doing."
Now, the Arizona Democratic Party is using the fire and its extensive damage as a way to step up fundraising, with just 100 days to go ahead of the November election.
"The damage is a devastating blow to the hard work and dedication of the teams at the state and county parties," the fundraising email said. "However, as with any setback we have encountered, we will adapt, rebuild, and continue moving ever forward for the sake of creating a better Arizona that works for all of us."
The contents of the county office included laptops and tablets and years of documents and historic election memorabilia, according to statement released by the county party on Friday.
"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," Slugocki said in the statement. "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.”
The fire is the second incident with damage to a political building in Arizona in the last two months.
At the end of May, Bullhead City police were investigating damage at a Republican field office in Mohave County, where six people were gathered inside for a "MAGA Meet Up" to support President Donald Trump's reelection.
Police determined that an unknown object went through the office window and blinds but did not believe it was caused by a firearm.
Also, I'm not sure what the rules about donating from out of state are (I know foreign nationals can't donate- see Russiagate), but if anyone can spare a few dollars for the Arizona Democrats right now, I'm sure it would be much appreciated.
I'm also starting to think we need a Republican tyranny/terrorism megathread.
