Governor Doug Ducey has assigned protection to Secretary of State Katie Hobbs after death threats amid the latest election audit Arizona ABC 15 reported earlier today. ABC15 confirmed with Hobbs that she and her family have been given Arizona Department of Public Safety protection as of Friday morning. The threats have reportedly occurred amid the polarizing Arizona election audit.
Secretary Hobbs tweeted Thursday that she had received a threatening phone call and was chased outside of her office. She stated, “Earlier today a man called my office saying I deserve to die and wanting to “what she is wearing so she’ll be easy to get.” It was one of at least three such threats today. Then a man who I’ve never seen before chased me and my staffer outside of our office.”
Earlier today a man called my office saying I deserve to die and wanting to know “what she is wearing so she’ll be easy to get.” It was one of at least three such threats today.
— Secretary Katie Hobbs (@SecretaryHobbs) May 7, 2021
Then a man who I’ve never seen before chased me and my staffer outside of our office. https://t.co/kKoc3g02Io
She addressed threats in November 2020 as the presidential election was taking place. Protesters even reportedly showed up at her home, as seen on surveillance footage.
On Wednesday, Hobbs sent a letter to audit liaison Ken Bennett detailing concerns about the process and warning him to work in compliance with state laws.
12 News reported that Hobbs and a member of her staff were also allegedly chased outside of their office by a supposed journalist who demanded answers for her criticism of the audit.
In a post on Twitter, Hobbs said, “The Arizona Audit and its far-right allies know their rhetoric will lead to this. They are complicit.”
The @ArizonaAudit and its far-right allies know their rhetoric will lead to this. They are complicit.
— Secretary Katie Hobbs (@SecretaryHobbs) May 7, 2021
“Their continued intimidation tactics will not prevent me from performing the duties I swore an oath to do,” Hobbs said in a statement at the time. “Our democracy is tested constantly, it continues to prevail, and it will not falter under my watch.”
