Arizona Congressional Candidate Reports Sexual Assault During Campaign Sign Repair

<p>Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic congressional candidate in Arizona, reported that she was raped while repairing a campaign sign in the early hours of August 14. The incident is currently under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.</p><p>Greene-Placentia, who is challenging Republican Rep. Abraham Hamadeh in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, stated that two men attacked her shortly after 2 a.m. as she walked across a parking lot in Sun City. She reported that one man struck her in the head, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she alleged that he was sexually assaulting her.</p><p>Greene-Placentia recalled hearing something that she interpreted as derogatory, but she acknowledged uncertainty about the exact words used. She stated that a second man approached during the assault and that she attempted to kick him, prompting him to leave with the first man.</p><p>Her recollections of the attack and its aftermath are fragmented. She reported that she does not remember certain actions, such as getting up from the parking lot or driving home. Greene-Placentia filed a report with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on August 31, more than two weeks after the alleged incident, and the office has not provided further details due to the ongoing investigation.</p><p>Initially, Greene-Placentia did not disclose the incident, feeling embarrassed and wanting to forget it. However, she later decided to share her experience, stating that she could not campaign on behalf of sexual assault victims without doing so. Her campaign manager noted that she was unresponsive for two days following the incident, and her husband described her behavior as unusual.</p><p>Greene-Placentia reported experiencing physical symptoms such as a severe headache and bruising, and she believes she may have suffered a concussion. She did not seek immediate medical attention but reported experiencing vaginal bleeding for three days afterward, according to the police report.</p><p>Greene-Placentia, a former long-haul trucker and small-business owner, won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 8th District and is now running against Hamadeh in the upcoming election. The Cook Political Report rates the race as solidly Republican.</p><p>Since the alleged assault, Greene-Placentia has ceased her routine of repairing campaign signs late at night. A campaign spokesperson stated that speaking publicly about the incident has been challenging for her, but she hopes to encourage other victims of sexual violence to come forward.</p><p>Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or made any arrests related to the alleged assault.</p>