North Carolina county GOP office attacked; Trump blames 'animals'

A North Carolina Republican Party office was firebombed overnight and threatening words painted nearby, party officials reported Sunday.

According to The Charlotte Observer, the attack occurred in the party's Orange County office in Hillsborough. An explosive device was thrown through a window of the office, causing some damage. The words "Nazi Republicans, leave town or else" were also painted on a nearby building.


No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. Donald Trump blamed the attack on "animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina," and others expressed outrage and sympathy.

“Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy,” Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party, said in a statement.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spoke out against the attack on Twitter, calling it "horrific and unacceptable."

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

The North Carolina Republican Party tweeted back: "Thank you for your thoughts & prayers, Sec. @HillaryClinton."

Thank you for your thoughts & prayers, Sec. @HillaryClinton. — NCGOP (@NCGOP) October 16, 2016

Trump subsequently responded on Twitter as well, attacking Democrats.

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

The North Carolina Republican Party also responded to Trump's tweet, saying: "We will not be silenced nor suppressed by this evil act."

Thank you Mr. @realDonaldTrump. We will not be silenced nor suppressed by this evil act. We will pray for those who seek to harm us. — NCGOP (@NCGOP) October 16, 2016

North Carolina remains one of the most fiercely contested states in the 2016 election season; the presidential race is close, as are statewide races for governor and senator. Orange County is home to parts of the cities of Durham and Chapel Hill (including the University of North Carolina) and has a reputation as one of the more liberal counties in the state.

Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement Sunday evening, calling the firebombing "an attack on our democracy.

"Violence has no place in our society — but especially in our elections," he said. "Fortunately no one was injured; however, I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation.”

The HQ is located in The Shops at Daniel Boone shopping center. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer that the "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,” Stevens said.

As the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked with local authorities to investigate the attack, the North Carolina Republican Party vowed to press on with its efforts. Woodhouse said: “We will not be deterred by this hate crime."

The threatening graffiti was painted over Sunday.

Woodhouse also said: “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. We will be requesting additional security at all Republican Party offices and events between now and Election Day to ensure the safety of our activists, volunteers, and supporters."

