Amid ‘Escalating’ Violent Threats Arizona’s Top Election Official Urges Trump To Halt Election Misinformation

Topline

Arizona’s Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said Wednesday it’s “well past time” the Trump administration stops pedaling false voter fraud claims she says have prompted “ongoing and escalating” threats of violence against her family and staff.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote 

“I am calling on other leaders in this state, including the governor whose deafening silence has contributed to the growing unrest, to stand up for the truth,” said Hobbs. “This should be a time for thanking voters and election workers for their incredible commitment during unprecedented challenges.” 

Key Facts 

Hobbs is not the only election worker to complain of the physical danger posed by Trump’s baseless election fraud claims. While deciding votes were still being tallied in battleground states, local officials said Trump’s false insistence that Democrats were trying to “steal the election” prompted “harassing” and “threatening” phone calls, as well as heated rallies outside vote counting centers where pro-Trump protesters—some armed—called to stop the vote. Though getting nowhere in court, the Trump administration has continued to push countless voter fraud conspiracy theories, refusing to concede the results of the election. 

Chief Critic 

“They are kind hardworking public servants just doing their job,” said Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel in an outraged Tweet about attacks against her staff. 

Key Background 

“Safety Concerns Grow In Michigan, Arizona And Nevada—‘Threatening’ Calls, Gun-Carrying Protesters—Amid Trump Voting Attacks” (Forbes)

“Parler’s Founder Explains Why He Built Trump’s New Favorite Social Media App” (Forbes)