Recently, Tara Johnson, a Trump volunteer in Limestone County, Alabama, was violently assaulted in what has been described as a “politically motivated attack” when she was leaving a local Republican Party headquarters. The Athens Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
Per the Alabama Republican Party, Johnson serves as the lead volunteer despite her physical mobility limitations caused by health issues. According to a statement from Alabama Republican Party communications director Jeannie Negrón Burniston, the attack against Johnson occurred in her vehicle outside the headquarters.
The attacker allegedly “grabbed Johnson by the hair and repeatedly punched her in the face and slammed her head against the door of her truck.” Other associates of Johnson have noted how horrific the attack against her is, especially considering how “kind and generous” she is.
Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl released a statement on the attack, praising Jonson’s volunteer service and strong character. Wahl stated that he was “heartbroken and outraged” by the alleged act of political violence.
The chairman said, “The attack on Tara Johnson is a disgraceful act of violence that has no place in our society. Having served alongside Tara on the Limestone County Executive Committee for many years, this is very personal to me. Tara is not just a volunteer; she is a kind and generous person who is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. We are heartbroken and outraged by this senseless act of violence against her.”
Wahl further noted that the Athens Police Department is actively investigating the violent incident, where he called on anyone with pertinent information to come forward. “The Athens Police Department is currently investigating the assault, and we urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
The chairman addressed the tense, polarized political climate in America and called on Democrats and the media to stop propagating “inflammatory rhetoric” against Trump and his Republican supporters. Wahl stressed that, as a society, we should strive for higher standards of conduct, prioritizing “peaceful political engagement.”
“Violence has no place in our political discourse, and those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. In times of political adversity, it is important that we come together and reaffirm our commitment to civility, respect, and peaceful political engagement. I call on the Democratic Party and mainstream media to cease their inflammatory rhetoric, which incites individuals against Donald Trump and his supporters. The relentless demonization and vilification of political opponents only serves to sow division and discord within our society. We can and should do better.”
The American Tribune reported on other politically targeted violence in Alabama, where a radical Antifa activist was charged in the attempted bombing of the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in Montgomery.
“Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.” See the footage below:
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