GILBERT, Ariz. — A candidate running for Legislative District 14 says her husband was defending their family in an altercation with the district's GOP chair Monday night.
Gilbert police announced on July 23 the agency was charging two individuals allegedly involved in the altercation on July 15.
Video shows the confrontation outside of Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert primarily between Nathan Hunsaker, Lalani Hunsaker's husband, and Andrew Adams, the chairman of LD14's GOP.
"Shut the frick up!" Hunsaker yells at Adams before jumping up towards Adams' face.
Adams claims Hunsaker headbutted him.
Lalani Hunsaker doesn't believe there was physical contact.
“My husband acted the way that any husband and father would act when they are trying to defend their family and protect their family against heinous lies that are being told about their children," Lalani Hunsaker said.
The incident occurred after a regularly scheduled meeting for Republicans in LD14.
Hunsaker said during the meeting, her opponent, Rep. Laurin Hendrix, was addressing the room. He was talking about avoiding negativity in politics and claimed he had been given a photograph that connected his opponent's son to the Gilbert Goons, the gang of teens that has been linked to violent assaults in the East Valley.
12News obtained a recording of part of the meeting.
“When was the last time you saw me stand up here and speak against anyone ever? Even a Democrat. Anybody," Hendrix said. "You’ve never heard me do that. I’m gonna tell you someone came to my office about two months ago and they showed me a picture of my opponent’s son supposedly with a couple of the Gilbert Goons.”
Hunsaker, her husband, and her brother-in-law were furious when they heard those comments.
“First, I'm a mom of four kids, and as a mother, I cannot let anyone lie about my child. So my job first and foremost is to protect my children," Hunsaker said.
In the audio recording, Hunsaker and her family are heard shouting from the audience.
“Okay, no. Stop. Stop! That's enough. This is a lie!" they said.
Hunsaker said any suggestion her son has been affiliated with the gang is false.
“I cannot be more emphatic about this. My son was not participating, nor was he friends, nor was he associated in any way, shape or form, with the Gilbert Goons," Hunsaker said.
Following the heated exchange in the meeting, Adams asked Hunsaker's husband and brother-in-law to leave.
“It’s an unfortunate event," Adams said. “What happened has no place in any political arena.”
The arguing continued outside.
“Basically, gets on his tiptoes and says 'F you' and he headbutts me," Adams described.
Hendrix told 12News he wished he used a different example in his speech not referencing an opponent's son. He 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.”
Gilbert police said the agency was charging Nathan Hunsaker with misdemeanor charges of assault, trespassing and disorderly conduct. The police department was additionally charging Stephen Hunsaker with misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing.
“I want the police to do their job. I fully support our law enforcement. I think that they should be allowed to gather the facts and find out the truth and I know that they will do an excellent job and I have full confidence that they will come to the judgment that is right," Hunsaker said before Gilbert police announced the charges.
The primary election is on July 30.
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