In brief
Bernadette Greene‑Placentia, a Democrat running for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, claims she was raped and knocked unconscious while repairing campaign signs late on August 14. She filed a police report with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office two weeks later, after initially keeping the incident private to avoid political stunt accusations. Republican opponent Abraham Hamadeh has called for a full investigation and for all available camera footage to be reviewed. Green‑Placentia withdrew from public events for two days following the assault and has expressed concerns that the assault allegations might undermine her campaign’s focus on affordability and women’s safety. The case remains under investigation, with no sexual assault examination having been performed yet.
BOLD: Democratic candidate Bernadette Greene‑Placentia says she was raped in a car park while fixing campaign signs in Phoenix’s Sun City on 14 August.
She was knocked unconscious and woke to find a man on top of her. Greene‑Placentia did not file a police report immediately; the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received it two weeks later. She has told the Phoenix New Times she felt embarrassed and wanted to forget, but she believes standing up for victims is essential.
Republican opponent Abraham Hamadeh has urged authorities to investigate thoroughly, requesting all available camera footage from the time and place of the alleged assault. “No American should become a victim of a crime in their own community,” he said.
Green‑Placentia withdrew from the public for two days after the attack, staying in a separate apartment and skipping a campaign event. She returned to the campaign trail, but her colleagues noted a change in her demeanor.
The candidate has not seen a doctor or received a sexual assault examination following the incident. She recalls the assailants as white men and reports one may have made a comment about her political affiliation and used a misogynistic slur, though she cannot confirm details. She worries voters might dismiss the story as a political stunt and that it could eclipse her messaging on affordability. The sheriff’s office has stated the investigation is ongoing.
Read the full account on Phoenix New Times.
