Congressman Raul Grijalva's District Office Evacuated After Envelope Containing Swastika And White Powder Is Discovered

Tucson - Dark days in Arizona, as the district office of Raul Grijalva is evacuated due to a suspicious letter containing a swastika and chemical substance was discovered.

The Associated Press has the full story here:

The Tucson office of U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., was evacuated Thursday after an envelope containing a white powder was discovered in the office's mail.

The congressman, who is seeking a fifth term, wasn't at the office when a staffer discovered the envelope, Grijalva spokesman Adam Sarvana said. The envelope had swastikas either written or stamped on the front.

Tucson police responded and evacuated about a dozen people from the office. An FBI spokesman said the substance has been taken to Phoenix for further testing.

This is not the first threat on Grijalva's life:

A Phoenix man was indicted in June for allegedly threatening to assault, kidnap and murder Grijalva and his aides. In July, a bullet was fired into Grijalva's Yuma district office shortly after he reversed his call for a convention boycott because of Arizona's new immigration law.

It has been a harrowing time here in Tucson, I have been participating in a non-partisan get out the vote campaign.

Shortly after hearing the news that Grijalva's office had recieved a suspicious package, I was informed that one of the volunteer canvassars had been attacked by a dog and had been taken to the emergency room.

There has been much talk about the importance of the Hispanic vote on this blog and elsewhere, but it is days like today when I am truly in awe of those who are willing to put their safety on the line and participate in the democratic process. It is truly inspiring to be here among them.