This browser does not support the Video element.
ORANGE COUNTY, NC (FOX 46) - (UPDATE AT 5:50 p.m.) - The White House is responding to reports of a fire being set at a local Republican Party headquarters in North Carolina, saying there is no justification for the use of violence to advance a political agenda.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in Monday's press briefing that President Barack Obama has consistently praised political activists who sought to overcome significant differences through the use of non-violent tactics.
Earnest says in a season heated with political rhetoric that neither side benefits from vandalism and violence.
He is also noting that some Democrats are trying to raise money to rebuild the campaign office. The online campaign he says is consistent with the president's optimistic vision about the country and that progress can be made on key issues by focusing
(UPDATE AT 4:15 p.m.) - A GoFundMe online drive by Democrats to raise $10,000 to reopen the North Carolina county Republican office that was damaged by a fire-bombing attack needed only 40 minutes to meet its goal.
Harvard University researcher David Weinberger created the site and says the speed with which the money was raised shows that Americans are "thirsty for civility and decency."
His point was underscored by the fact that local Democrats joined the campaign.
Orange County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley says the Democrats gesture is great and they appreciate it a lot.
Local, state and federal officials are investigating the attack.
(UPDATE AT 8:45 a.m.) - The police chief in a North Carolina town where a fire was set at the county Republican Party headquarters said Monday that he had no new developments to report.
Hillsborough Police Chief Duane Hampton said in an email that nothing developed overnight as the investigation continues into the fire-bombing of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters late Saturday or early Sunday.
No one was hurt when a bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown the window of the building. An earlier news release from the town said the building next door was spray-painted with the words: "Nazi Republicans leave town or else."
A state Republican official called the attack "political terrorism." Republican offices around the state are reviewing their security.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
--------------------
A North Carolina Republican Party office in Orange County was firebombed overnight, causing major damage and destruction, Hillsborough police said.
Authorities said the explosive device was thrown through the window of the office, and the words, “Nazi Republicans, leave town or else,” were painted on a nearby building.
The incident comes less than 25 days before Election Day.
“Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy,” said Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party in a written statement, released on Sunday. “Whether the bomb was meant to kill, destroy property, or intimidate voters, everyone in this country should be free to express their political viewpoints without fear for their own safety. We will be requesting additional security at all Republican Party offices and events between now and Election Day to ensure the safety of our activists, volunteers, and supporters.”
No injuries were reported.
Anyone with information about this attack should contact the Hillsborough Police Department.