Assault at GOP Headquarters
Chairman Rhodes Released from Hospital
Aug 23, 2016 Graham County Republican Committee Chairman, and US Army veteran, John Duane Rhodes has been released from Mt. Graham Regional Hospital and continues to improve at home from injuries sustained from an assault which occurred on his property yesterday. This is what happened based on the Safford Police Department report:
On Wednesday afternoon, David Morse, age 58 of Pima, Arizona, drove onto the parking area of Rhodes Construction and entered the office where Mr. Rhodes was taking on the phone. Rhodes instructed Morse several time to leave his property, but Morse refused to leave (a witness to the requests and refusals is respected conservative activist Christine Bausermen). Morse attempted to photograph and/or film Rhodes with a phone while both were on the Rhodes property. Rhodes informed Morse the he was not to take photos on his property and knocked the phone from Morse's hand. Without warning, Morse lunged at Rhodes, squeezing Rhodes' throat while forcing him to the ground. Morse thrust his knee into Rhodes' chest and began beating his head on the tile floor. Rhodes, who is legally disabled, took some time to recover. Rhodes then overpowered Morse. Morse fled the scene and ran to a woman next door to seek her assistance. Safford PD showed up about this time. Rhodes was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. Morse is being charged with trespassing and assault. Judge Gary Griffith today issued an order of protection/restraining order prohibiting Morse from being within close proximity of Rhodes. Safford Police Chief Joe Brugman stated, "clearly Mr. Rhodes is the victim in this incident."
On Wednesday afternoon, David Morse, age 58 of Pima, Arizona, drove onto the parking area of Rhodes Construction and entered the office where Mr. Rhodes was taking on the phone. Rhodes instructed Morse several time to leave his property, but Morse refused to leave (a witness to the requests and refusals is respected conservative activist Christine Bausermen). Morse attempted to photograph and/or film Rhodes with a phone while both were on the Rhodes property. Rhodes informed Morse the he was not to take photos on his property and knocked the phone from Morse's hand. Without warning, Morse lunged at Rhodes, squeezing Rhodes' throat while forcing him to the ground. Morse thrust his knee into Rhodes' chest and began beating his head on the tile floor. Rhodes, who is legally disabled, took some time to recover. Rhodes then overpowered Morse. Morse fled the scene and ran to a woman next door to seek her assistance. Safford PD showed up about this time. Rhodes was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. Morse is being charged with trespassing and assault. Judge Gary Griffith today issued an order of protection/restraining order prohibiting Morse from being within close proximity of Rhodes. Safford Police Chief Joe Brugman stated, "clearly Mr. Rhodes is the victim in this incident."