Law enforcement officials on Monday were trying to track down those responsible for firebombing a Republican Party office in North Carolina.

  • GOP office in North Carolina firebombed, vandalized
  • Adjacent building defaced with 'Nazi Republicans leave town or else'
  • Local, federal law enforcement investigating

It happened in Hillsborough, just west of Durham, sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday morning, when the damage was discovered.

The damage was extensive, and a charred American flag remains in the front of the building. Broken windows can be seen where authorities said someone threw a bottle filled with flammable liquid inside.

Also, a building adjacent to the office was spray painted with the words: "Nazi Republicans leave town or else."

Law enforcement officers remain on the scene as the investigation into the person or persons responsible continues.

State GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse said no one was injured, but a security alert is being sent to party offices around the state.

“The most important thing is that nobody was killed, and that’s what we care about,” Woodhouse said. “This is an act of political terrorism, and we can’t allow that. But it’s also an attack on Republicans and Democrats and unaffiliated and citizens in general who believe in the democratic process. This is not how we settle disputes. We settle disputes through elections."

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton tweeted Sunday: "The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe."

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump tweeted: “Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.”

He followed up by tweeting: “ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!”

Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement on the incident as well: “The firebombing of a local political headquarters in Orange County is clearly an attack on our democracy. Violence has no place in our society - but especially in our elections.”

Local law enforcement and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hillsborough Police Department at (919) 732-3975.


The Orange County, N.C. offices of the state Republican Party were firebombed and vandalized over the weekend. (Courtesy of North Carolina GOP)