Arizona Congressional Candidate Reports Assault During Campaign Errand

<p>Arizona Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia reported that she was knocked unconscious and raped during an incident involving two attackers in August while attempting to repair a damaged campaign sign.</p><p>Greene-Placentia stated to the Phoenix New Times that she was walking through a parking lot in Sun City shortly after 2 a.m. on August 14 when she was struck in the head, rendering her unconscious.</p><p>Upon regaining consciousness, Greene-Placentia reported that she found a man assaulting her and kicked at a second man who approached her, according to the Phoenix New Times.</p><p>A public information officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that a police report was filed on August 31.</p><p>"Detectives advised it is still an ongoing investigation, and we cannot comment on the investigation at this time," the officer stated.</p><p>Greene-Placentia initially informed investigators that one of her attackers used a derogatory remark she interpreted as "Democratic b----," but later told The New York Times that she could not be certain of what she had heard.</p><p>She reported suffering extensive bruising and vaginal bleeding for three days after the alleged assault and believed she may have sustained a concussion.</p><p>Greene-Placentia missed a campaign event and was out of contact with her staff for approximately two days following the incident, according to The New York Times. She later disclosed the details to campaign aides and her husband before reporting it to police on August 31, stating that she initially felt embarrassed and wanted to forget the incident.</p><p>She ultimately decided to go public to encourage other survivors of sexual assault to speak out.</p><p>"I never imagined I would have to tell this story, but I know I am far from the only woman who has lived through something like this," Greene-Placentia said in a statement released Wednesday. "Too many survivors carry these experiences silently. I am speaking out because I want them to know they are seen, they are heard and they are not alone."</p><p>Greene-Placentia received support from both Republicans and Democrats, including her Republican opponent, Rep. Abe Hamadeh, who called for authorities to investigate the alleged attack.</p><p>"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," Hamadeh stated.</p><p>"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," Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs' office said in a statement to the Phoenix New Times.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Greene-Placentia's campaign for comment.</p><p>Hamadeh has represented Arizona's 8th Congressional District since January 2025. Fox News' Power Rankings rate the district as solidly Republican heading into the 2026 midterm elections.</p>