Phoenix police investigators believed that the fire that burned down the headquarters of the Arizona Democratic party was an apparent arson attack.

Police were collecting surveillance video from nearby establishments after inspecting the damage. The authorities concluded that it was human-caused. Nobody was hurt in the fire.

Arizona Democratic Party Chair Felecia Rotellini said they were relieved that no one was injured during the blaze.

"The fire is devastating, but we refuse to let this be a distraction. We feel more empowered than ever to turn Arizona blue," Rotellini was quoted in a Fox News report.

Phoenix Fire Investigation Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigators are investigating the fire. 

Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Mercedes Fortunes said the event is being investigated as an arson based on the evidence discovered. The security and traffic control in the area also assisted the Phoenix police, Fortune said.

Extent of Damage

The building also housed the Maricopa County Democratic Party headquarters.

The Maricopa Democratic Party said they will not be able to replace the historic election memorabilia or years' worth of candidate and organizational documents that were destroyed by the fire.

Rotellini said she learned about the fire at 2 a.m. after the security systems alarmed and the staffers informed her. She said it's too soon to tell the amount of damage the fire caused.

"The investigators are scheduled to be at the scene at 8 a.m. so we don't know anything right now, but we're very fortunate that everyone is safe and in this virtual environment. We can continue to run the party and do everything we need to do for November," Rotellini was quoted in a report.

County party chair Steven Slugocki said he believes all of their computers, phones, desks, and files were damaged.

The fire happened as the county Democratic Party was scheduled for its summer convention on Saturday. Over 700 Democrats across Maricopa County were expected to attend the virtual event.

In this event, candidates will make their pitch to voters, raise money, and discuss the party's activities until November. Slugocki said he's not sure how the fire will affect the said virtual event. He said they will continue to work and find a way to rise above the situation.

Fundraising Activity

With the fire incident, the Arizona Democratic Party is stepping up its fundraising, with just around 100 days before the November election.

The Arizona Democratic Party said, through its fundraising email, the damage affects the hard work and dedication of the teams at the state and county parties.

"However, as with any setback we have encountered, we will adapt, rebuild, and continue moving ever forward for the sake of creating a better Arizona that works for all of us," it said.

The Investigation Continues

Fortune refused to say what evidence made the investigators decide that it was arson. Investigators said the fire was set intentionally.

Fortune noted that she did not want to unknowingly tip off the perpetrator. She said they were still working on it and they have some good video and some information about the incident.

Anyone with information about the arson attack should call Phoenix police at 602-262-6151, Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or 480-837-8446 for Spanish. 

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