A Republican headquarters office in Hillsborough of Orange County, North Carolina was firebombed overnight with hate messages spray painted on the building, according to CNN. While Governor of North Carolina Pat McCrory called the latest incident an "an attack on our democracy," Donald Trump accused Hillary Clinton supporters and the Democratic party of orchestrating the bombing on Twitter.
"Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning," Trump tweeted on Oct. 16. "ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!"
Trump's allegations have not been verified. However, the Hillborough police said an unidentified person allegedly threw a bottle of flammable liquid through the window of Orange County's GOP headquarters, setting fire to campaign signs, supplies, and furniture. In addition to setting fire to the office, a swastika symbol and the message "Nazi Republicans get out of town or else” was allegedly spray-painted on the side of the building, according to reports.
Trump's claims follow Gov. McCrory's official statement concerning the incident. "The firebombing of a local political headquarters in Orange County is clearly an attack on our democracy," McCrory said. "Violence has no place in our society – but especially in our elections. … I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation."
Hillary Clinton did not respond to Trump's accusations, but she did offer a few words on the subject. "The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe," she tweeted. The North Carolina Republican Party's official Twitter account responded to Clinton shortly after, thanking the Democratic candidate for her "thoughts & prayers."
Authorities and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives are currently investigating the bombing. Hillsborough police have not released any further details concerning the person or persons involved in the attack. Executive Director of the state GOP, Dallas Woodhouse issued an advisory asking county Republican offices across the state of North Carolina to "take extra caution," following the recent events.
