EDEN, N.Y. — Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, who is also running for Erie County Clerk, says someone threw a partial pipe bomb into her house while her family slept.
Hartman says the incident happened around 3 a.m. 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.
"It's clear that the perpetrator hopes this attack will intimidate me and my candidacy for Erie County Clerk," Hartman said in the statement. "Rest assured, I will not be bullied or intimidated. 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 has served as the Eden Town Supervisor for six years.
2 On Your Side asked if there were any prior threats against her. Supervisor Hartman repeatedly said she could not discuss anything specific with the investigation but more information did emerge.
"I have not, with the exception of when we first announced my candidacy and the fact that I left my last party," she said. "There were social media things here and there that came out from the Republican Party, but other than that, I haven't received any ill will from anyone. It's been a good experience."
Hartman added: "I made sure that my family was safe this week. We've taken precautions, I have a security detail. No one should have to live like this. This is America, especially someone who serves their community."
Hartman stressed that she will not drop out of the race for Erie County Clerk, and her press release on this incident was printed on her campaign letterhead stationary.
The news conference was arranged by her campaign manager, Joe McMahon, who later told reporters there is home security video showing the incident.
Erie County Sheriff John Garcia released the following statement on Friday afternoon about the incident: "The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Eden Police Department with investigating an incident directed at the town’s supervisor. As evident with recent events, the Sheriff’s Office provides mutual aid to all local law enforcement and first responder agencies, and we must make sure the public is safe."
2 On Your Side has reached out to Eden Police for more information on the investigation and we were only told that there is an investigation. it was the same response from the Erie County District Attorney's Office.