A local Republican meeting in the East Valley devolved into a loud dispute — and an alleged assault — after a sitting state Representative made statements tying an opponent’s son to the Gilbert Goons.
Rep. Laurin Hendrix (R-Gilbert), who represents Legislative District 14, addressed members of the LD 14 Republican Party last night at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert during a part of the meeting reserved for legislative updates from sitting lawmakers.
But Nathan Hunsaker, whose wife Lelani Hunsaker is one of five candidates running for two spots in Arizona House of Representatives LD 14 Republican primary, said Hendrix also used that time to address his campaign.
Hunsaker alleged Hendrix “said he received stuff that my son was part of the Gilbert Goons,” a criminal gang connected to a series of assaults and one murder in the East Valley.
That, Hunsaker said, is untrue and prompted him to confront Hendrix.
LD 14 GOP Chairman Andrew Adams said he asked Nathan Hunsaker and another family member to leave after they started yelling at Hendricks and walking towards him.
Lalani Hunsaker said her brother-in-law was asked to leave the meeting but denied her husband was removed. She said her husband left the meeting on his own to take their daughter outside after she became distraught.
“And then things got heated outside a little bit,” Nathan Hunsaker said.
Adams tells the story somewhat differently.
“What Laurin said is that someone had come to his campaign with pictures that insinuated that but that Laurin had no interest in campaigning on that nor did he have any interest in pursuing the matter,” Adams said.
Adams said they initially resisted his request to leave before eventually moving outside, where Hunsaker and Adams continued to argue. At that point, Adams alleged Hunsaker “headbutted me.”
Security camera footage of the incident shows the two men arguing chest to chest, though it is unclear exactly what contact occurred. At one point, it appears their faces make contact when Hunsaker, who is shorter than Adams, jumps towards the other man.
“It’s a situation that got out of hand, but things are being embellished a bit,” Nathan Hunsaker said.
Adams said he plans to file for a protective court order against Hunsaker and that he is no longer allowed to attend LD14 GOP meetings.
Lalani Hunsaker accused Adams of targeting her husband for political reasons, because he is opposed to her campaign.
“Political tyrant, Andrew Adams, did forcefully remove my husband and a number of our supporters from the LD14 meeting last night,” she said in a statement. “However, under no circumstance, did Nate attack him in any way.”
Gilbert Police Department confirmed it is investigating the incident.
“On July 15, 2024, at approximately 8:53 PM, Gilbert PD responded … in reference to a verbal altercation and fight,” Officer Levi Leyba said in an email. “Patrol officers completed an initial investigation, and the case has been forwarded to detectives for further follow-up.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated with comments from Lalani Hunsaker about what occurred during the LD 14 GOP meeting on July 15.
