Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) led a statement condemning the reported sexual assault of Bernadette Greene-Placentia, Representative Abe Hamadeh's (R-AZ) Democratic challenger in the 8th Congressional District.
The Context
Greene-Placentia alleges that she was sexually assaulted by two unknown men on August 14th while cleaning up campaign signs, but did not report it to the police until two weeks later.
She did not publicly disclose the attack until October 7th, in the Phoenix New Times.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is still investigating, but it has not released details about suspects, leads, or a possible motive.
Nevertheless, the attack has drawn skepticism, but Greene-Placentia insists she did not stage it for votes.
Ansari's Statement
"The Arizona Congressional House Delegation and the Democratic Women's Caucus condemn in the absolute strongest terms the grotesque attack and rape committed against Bernadette Greene-Placentia, candidate for Arizona's 8th Congressional District," Rep. Ansari said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to her as she navigates the severe trauma of this horrific and monstrous attack as well as to her family, friends, and staff who are standing with her through it. No candidate for office should be faced with physical or sexual violence, something which we have seen far too often across this country and in Arizona in particular."
She emphasized that "sexual violence should have absolutely no place in our society or politics, and it's high past time that we as a country do everything in our power to protect victims and address it with the severity it warrants. Far too many have survived sexual violence at some point in their lives and far too few have seen justice served on their behalf. We demand that the perpetrators of this attack are swiftly brought to justice and that Ms. Greene-Placentia is able to heal."
Hamadeh's Reward
In a gesture of solidarity, Rep. Hamadeh announced that he is personally offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the attackers, saying, "Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of my constituents. As a former prosecutor who has fought for survivors of sexual assault, I am offering a reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of the two individuals responsible for this crime. Sexual assault is a serious violent offense. Survivors deserve justice, and those who commit these acts must be held accountable."
