By Corinne Murdock |
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs blamed two years of rhetoric from her opponent, Republican Kari Lake, for a break-in at her campaign headquarters earlier this week. Lake denied Hobbs’ accusation, calling it “absurd.”
Hobbs’ campaign manager issued a statement on her behalf, insinuating that Lake was the source of all threats against Hobbs.
“Let’s be clear: for nearly two years Kari Lake and her allies have been spreading dangerous misinformation and inciting threats against anyone they see fit,” stated Hobbs. “The threats against Arizonans attempting to exercise their constitutional rights and their attacks on elected officials are the direct result of a concerted campaign of lies and intimidation.”
In statements to reporters, Lake compared Hobbs’ blame to that of the infamous Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax.
“That is absolutely absurd. And are you guys buying that? Are you really buying that? Because this sounds like a Jussie Smollett part two,” stated Lake. “I don’t even know where her campaign office is. I’m assuming it’s in a basement somewhere because that’s where she’s been campaigning.”
According to surveillance footage obtained by the Hobbs campaign, the suspect may be a dark-skinned, dark-haired man wearing a green t-shirt, gray pants, white tennis shoes, a watch on his left wrist, a backpack, and a metallic necklace. The Hobbs campaign reported that some unspecified items were taken.
As of Wednesday, Phoenix Police Department said that they hadn’t identified any suspects.
This wouldn’t be the first time Hobbs blamed Lake for unwanted aggressions toward her. Just last week, Hobbs claimed that Lake incited protests and threats of violence causing Arizona State University (ASU) to shut down campus. It appears those claims originated from one of Hobbs’ staffers, since the school didn’t report receiving threats and no protests occurred.
Hobbs’ announcement of a burglary at her headquarters comes hours after one of the latest polls revealed Lake leading Hobbs by 11 points.
That same poll by Fox News revealed incumbent Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) leading his Republican challenger Blake Masters by two points.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
