For Immediate Release
Sunday, February 9, 2020

A Message from RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters to Members of the RECs
Re:  Vehicle attack on Republican voter registration tent in Jacksonville, FL

Tallahassee, FL – Many of you may have already read the shocking published media reports about an incident which took place yesterday afternoon involving a van plowing through a Republican voter registration tent in Jacksonville, Florida.

“First and foremost, I am relieved to hear that none of our volunteers were injured in this cowardly, and unprovoked attack.  The safety and welfare of our volunteers is paramount, and I urge all REC leaders to remain vigilant as we continue to encourage Floridians to participate in our elections process.  RPOF volunteers are the backbone of our party and these patriots were only taking time out of their day to help register voters.

“Political violence is contrary to everything our country stands for. It is one thing to debate an issue and to politically disagree, but it is another when these disagreements turn into physical attacks. Violence against those who hold differing political beliefs is never appropriate.

“Rest assured, yesterday’s attack will not deter the RPOF and its dedicated volunteers from its ongoing efforts to register people to vote in the 2020 Presidential election cycle.  Every Floridian should exercise their right to vote no matter which party they belong to.  We, collectively, need to ensure that volunteers, voters and all those involved are able to safely and freely participate in our elections process with no fear.

“I especially want to thank the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and the RPOF once again extends its thoughts of relief to the Republican Party of Duval County and to all its dedicated volunteers.”