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News 9 San Diego @News9SanDiego

LIVE Volunteer on @RepMattCason campaign shot and killed while walking precinct @CaseyChengNews9 has campaign’s reactions kasd.us.Wgu9X

Casey Cheng News 9 @CaseyChengNews9

Campaign confirms Lindsey Cason, the congressman’s wife, witnessed shooting, is unharmed.

“Lindsey wanted me to assure all of you that she’s doing okay. She’s tough, she always has been.”

Matt Cason had that distant look in his eyes, slightly stunned. Staring at the reporters but not seeing them. Casey recognized it from the press event at the hospital back in June.

“But emotionally … she’s devastated. We all are.”

He stood in front of the campaign headquarters, flanked by Jane Haddad and a young black guy in tortoiseshell framed glasses—assistant campaign manager Angus Wheeler. The shaved-head bodyguard stood behind them.

The late-afternoon sun bathed Matt’s face in a golden light—the perfect shot for a campaign commercial, Casey thought, if it weren’t for the occasion.

“Rachel Eisenstat was an amazing person. I walked precincts with her the first time I ran and assumed we’d be doing that again next week. I can’t believe she’s gone. I can’t imagine the depth of grief her friends and loved ones are feeling right now.”

He paused for a moment, his eyes brimming with tears. If he didn’t mean it, he was one hell of an actor, Casey thought.

Now Matt seemed to gather himself. “But I want to be clear about something. Attacking a campaign volunteer like this … it’s an attack on the foundations of our democracy. Democracy requires citizens to participate. This is an attempt to sabotage that process.” He was focused now, and angry. You could see it in his face, hear it in his voice. “But it’s not going to work. Because come next Saturday, I will be out walking precincts myself.” His voice shook. “And I know Rachel will be walking right by me in spirit. Thank you.” He turned to go inside.

“Congressman,” she shouted out, “are you saying someone deliberately targeted your campaign?”

He turned back, fixed his gaze on her. He knew who she was. “Are you asking me to believe that it’s a coincidence at this point?”

“The congressman needs to get home to his wife,” Jane Haddad said, as Cason headed inside, followed by the bodyguard. “Angus and I will try to answer your questions as best as we can.”

Kimberly Tegan Statement on
Murder of Rachel Eisenstat

We are heartbroken and furious to hear of the vicious murder of Rachel Eisenstat. Our deepest sympathies to her family, her friends, and everyone at the Cason campaign. The sick thug who did this will be brought to justice. This kind of violence has no place in our political system.

American Eagle 1992 @AmericanEagle1992

Too bad about that bitch but this is what happens if you help traitor @RepMattCason #TrueMen #AJLA