Pence: NC Republican Party Office Firebombing An 'Act Of Political Terrorism'
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence is condemning the firebombing of a local Republican office in North Carolina as "an act of political terrorism'' and "an attack on the American political system.''
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The statement comes after a local Republican Party office in North Carolina was torched by a flammable device and someone spray-painted an anti-GOP slogan referring to "Nazi Republicans" on a nearby wall over the weekend.
A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight, according to a news release from the town of Hillsborough. The substance ignited and damaged the interior before burning out. No one was injured.
The Indiana governor on Tuesday toured the charred interior of the Orange County GOP office on his way to two rallies elsewhere in the state.
At the Orange County, NC GOP headquarters to stand solemnly with these courageous volunteers in the wake of an act of political terrorism. pic.twitter.com/mB2fRlEnko
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) October 18, 2016
"At the Orange County, NC GOP headquarters to stand solemnly with these courageous volunteers in the wake of an act of political terrorism," Pence tweeted Tuesday.
He praised Republican volunteers Hillsborough, North Carolina, for their "courage and resilience.''
On Sunday, Republican nominee Donald Trump blamed the act on Democrats in a tweet and also he encouraged local Republicans, saying: "With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!"
"Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning," Trump tweeted.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president said on Twitter that the attack "is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe."
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
Pence noted political figures across the spectrum have condemned the act committed over the weekend. But he complained that national media have paid little attention. He speculated that a similar attack on a Democratic office would get much wider coverage.
No one was hurt, and police are still investigating.
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