Arizona congressional candidate says she was sexually assaulted while fixing campaign signs

SUN CITY, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - A Democratic candidate for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District reported she was knocked unconscious and sexually assaulted by two men while fixing campaign signs in August.

A police report obtained by Arizona’s Family states Bernadette Greene-Placentia was fixing campaign signs Aug. 14 in Sun City. While walking back to her car, she was hit in the head and knocked unconscious, according to the report.

Greene-Placentia reported when she woke up, she was being held down and sexually assaulted by a man. She said another man then sexually assaulted her while she fought back by kicking her feet.

During the assault, the report states Greene-Placentia heard one of the men saying “Democratic b---h.” She reported the two men left her face down in the parking lot, and she doesn’t remember much afterward.

Greene-Placentia told her husband about the assault two or three days later and reported the assault to law enforcement two weeks later, according to the report. She told investigators she did not get a medical exam after the assault.

Authorities were not able to collect DNA or other physical evidence in the case.

The investigation is ongoing.

Political leaders respond

Greene-Placentia is running against Trump-backed GOP incumbent Abraham “Abe” Hamadeh in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. Hamadeh’s campaign gave the following statement regarding his opponent’s reported assault and called for an investigation:

“I have read the disturbing story and call upon authorities to investigate these serious allegations thoroughly, including finding all possible camera footage of the time and place in order to prosecute the crime to the fullest extent of the law. No American should become a victim of a crime in their own community.”

Several other Arizona political leaders also expressed their support for Greene-Placentia after news of the reported attack, including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.

“Governor Hobbs is outraged by the sexual assault against congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia,” a statement from Hobbs’ office read. “This was a cruel and cowardly attack, and it has no place in Arizona. No one should have to fear for their safety, or the safety of the people they love, while serving their community. Violence of any kind, against anyone, will not be tolerated in our state. Our hearts are with Bernadette and her loved ones.”

“What happened to Bernadette Greene-Placentia is an outrage,” Kelly posted on social media. “It took real courage for her to speak publicly about something so painful. The criminal who did this must be found and held fully accountable.”

“I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear this news, and I’m thinking of Bernadette and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Gallego said. “We cannot tolerate political or sexual violence in any form. Those responsible must be held accountable. Thank you for speaking out, Bernadette. We’re with you.”

Note: Arizona’s Family does not typically name victims of sexual assault, but Greene-Placentia has publicly come forward with her claims.