Democratic Candidate or Erie County Clerk and Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, spoke to the media today, days after someone threw a partial pipe bomb into her house while her family slept on March 28.
She said in a statement that the device was covered in written threats, including one demanding she drop out of the race for Erie County Clerk, or the next pipe bomb would be live.
“I will not allow these actions [to] prevent me from seeking a county-wide elected position. If anything, this incident signals to me that I must continue marching forward, reaffirming my commitment to public service.”
Hartman recently switched her registered political party from Republican to Democrat. She has served as Eden Town Supervisor for six years.
Full statement from supervisor Melissa Hartman:
“I want to address a recent incident that occurred on the morning of March 28th. At approximately 3:00 am, an unknown individual threw a partial pipe bomb into my house, while my family slept. When the device was recovered, multiple threats were written on it. One of the written messages indicated that, unless I drop out of this race for Erie County Clerk, the next pipe bomb would be live.
“It is clear that the perpetrator hopes this attack will intimidate me and my candidacy for Erie County Clerk. Rest assured, I will not be bullied or intimidated. I will not allow these actions prevent me from seeking a county-wide elected position. If anything, this incident signals to me that I must continue marching forward, reaffirming my commitment to public service.
“This incident was an act of violence against my family and me, and I will not dismiss its intentions or severity. This occurred in the town where I live and have raised my family, in a community that I have faithfully served for over six years as Town Supervisor— where I have worked hard to make this small town a safe and friendly community.
“I want to thank the Eden Police, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office for their support and dedication to my family’s safety throughout this ordeal. We are fortunate to have so many talented law enforcement officials in our community. I trust their expertise will lead to a quick arrest and prosecution.
“I do have a message for the predator responsible for the pipe bomb that entered my family’s home: I will not back down or give in to fear. I am not a woman you will be able to intimidate. It is my right to run for elected office without being threatened, and you will face the consequences for trying to take that right away. I will work diligently with our law enforcement professionals to ensure that you are apprehended and brought to justice.
“In no way, shape, or form will I allow this individual to continue to frighten my children or family from living our lives, enjoying our home, or moving forward as a family.
“Thank you, any further questions can be directed towards the Eden Police, Erie County Sheriff, or District Attorney.”
