GILBERT, Ariz. — The Gilbert Police Department is investigating an altercation reported Monday night at a political gathering involving Republican candidates running in Legislative District 14.
LD14 GOP Chairman Andrew Adams said he was struck in the face after a man allegedly turned combative.
“It’s an unfortunate event," Adams said. “What happened has no place in any political arena.”
Adams said Laurin Hendrix was speaking about his campaign for re-election when two attendees interrupted.
“They kind of were standing up, they were screaming at Laurin," Adams said.
Adams said he asked them to stop, and when they didn't, he asked them to leave. He said he brought them outside and that's when one of the men allegedly assaulted him.
“Basically, gets on his tiptoes and says 'F you' and he headbutts me," Adams said.
Adams identified that man as Nathan Hunsaker, the husband of Lalani Hunsaker, who is running for a House seat in LD14 against Hendrix.
Lalani Hunsaker told 12News in a statement that no one physically attacked Adams in any way, but said Adams forcefully removed her husband and some of their supporters from the meeting Monday night.
"The party has worked very hard to silence my supporters and me; however, the voters have seen right through it, and we are poised for a major victory on July 30th," Hunsaker said in a statement.
Hendrix said he feels for any people at Monday's meeting who felt "they were in danger" during the incident and insisted that political debate must not devolve into violence.
"I am calling on the judicial authorities to make it clear that violence will not be accepted or overlooked in Arizona. I trust that they will do what is right within the bounds of law," Hendrix said in a statement. "I hope the people of Arizona's legislative districts send a clear message that they do not approve of violent or intimidating behavior at the ballot box July 30.”
Up to five candidates are running in the GOP primary to represent LD14 in the Arizona House.
Police said officers were dispatched shortly before 9 p.m. to a church located near Greenfield and Guadalupe roads for reports of a fight. No arrests were reported and the case has been forwarded to detectives for further review.
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