A Troubling Incident During Campaign Activities
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate running for Congress in Arizona, has publicly shared a traumatic experience involving an alleged sexual assault that occurred earlier this summer. The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of August 14 while she was attending to campaign signage.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to reports, the candidate was in a parking lot in Sun City after 2 a.m. when she was suddenly struck in the head, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon waking, she discovered an unknown man sexually assaulting her. She described a harrowing scene where a second individual appeared, further complicating the attack. Greene-Placentia recalled attempting to defend herself by swinging her foot at the second man, who reportedly remarked that the situation was «not even worth it» before the encounter ended.
Investigation and Decision to Speak Out
Following the event, Greene-Placentia contacted the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to file an official report. While she initially struggled with feelings of embarrassment and a desire to suppress the memory of the trauma, she ultimately decided that reporting the crime was necessary.
Authorities have noted that due to the nature of the attack, the candidate’s recollection of the perpetrators remains fragmented. She has described experiencing only brief flashes of memory regarding the suspects, noting that one appeared to be wearing black boots. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that an active investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Advocacy for Survivors
In a statement regarding her decision to go public, a spokesperson indicated that the candidate chose to share her story to stand in solidarity with other survivors who often suffer in silence. Her hope is that by bringing attention to her own experience, others will feel empowered and realize they are not isolated in their struggles.
Greene-Placentia is currently in the midst of a campaign for Arizona's 8th Congressional District, where she is challenging the Republican incumbent, Abe Hamadeh.