Bernadette Greene-Placentia, the Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Rep. Abraham (Abe) Hamadeh in Arizona's 8th Congressional District, says she was raped by two unidentified men on Aug. 14 while repairing a campaign sign overnight near 99th Avenue and Bell Road in Sun City, a Phoenix suburb. She told investigators she was struck in the back of the head and knocked unconscious, waking during the assault, and described bruising on her arms consistent with being held down, a bump on her head and other injuries. She said she tried to fight back by kicking her feet, and recalled one attacker wore black boots, had small feet, and used an expletive referencing her political party. She did not seek a hospital exam or SANE kit, later telling investigators she had taken multiple showers and washed her clothing before reporting the attack to police in late August.
Greene-Placentia, 52, a former long-haul trucker, said embarrassment, shock and fear initially kept her silent, but she decided to go public to encourage other survivors to come forward, despite worries it could overshadow her campaign's focus on affordability, Medicare, SNAP, VA funding, education, water shortages and health care. She told her husband and campaign staff within days, and confided in Arizona Democratic Party treasurer Greg Freeman before reporting to police in late August. She said she has faced both support and public skepticism about her motives, which she denies, and has not heard from investigators in several weeks. Hamadeh called for a thorough investigation, including review of camera footage. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says detectives continue working to identify the two suspects.
