Phoenix area police departments investigate what appear to be politically motivated incidents
AHWATUKEE, Ariz. - Thirteen days are remaining until Election Day and tensions are high.
On Tuesday, police dealt with arrests, threats and hazmat investigations directed towards both sides of the political aisle in the Phoenix area.
There was a lockdown for staffers at GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake’s office off Camelback Road on Oct. 22. Lake was not there, but instead at a rally with VP candidate Sen. JD Vance.
Investigators showed up to her office responding to an apparent threat. Police, fire, and hazmat crews surrounded her office.
On X, the candidate said her office received an envelope potentially containing a dangerous material. Phoenix Police say it was tested and was deemed to be non-hazardous, but an investigation is underway.
It was one of several incidents that officers investigated seemingly surrounding political grievances.
Earlier on Tuesday morning off Chandler Boulevard and 44th Street in Ahwatukee, there were reports of another unknown substance.
Crews dressed head to toe in hazmat gear and FOX 10 cameras captured them handling a political sign near a tree with the words "Dems lie."
It’s unclear if that sign was covered in the substance. It’s also unclear who put the sign up or how long it was out there.
Phoenix Police did not respond to a list of questions surrounding the incident, only stating it, alongside another nearby hazardous material call off Ray Road and 50th Street, were under investigation.
Phoenix Police stressed there is no risk to the public.
In Tempe, an arrest was made following alleged online threats to Donald Trump Jr. and conservative activist Charlie Kirk who were in the Valley for a rally last week.
Officers say 24-year-old Daniel Ashpes sent threatening statements in response to a mass-messaging system asking for RSVPs to the event. He’s now looking at several misdemeanor charges including using a phone to threaten or intimidate, and threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
Police did not answer questions if there was any kind of link to these situations.