Nevada AG, Nye County DA respond to Nye County GOP letter

“As we have learned last week, words may lead to actions, and both have consequences,” said AG Ford. “Those peddling conspiracy theories and lies must take personal responsibility for their words and the consequences of pushing these lies on a public looking for guidance. This includes the leader of a local political organization whose recent letter lends to the inflamed passions that likewise led to the insurrection we all just experienced.”

“Let’s be clear: If so-called "evidence" of widespread voter fraud was so clear and convincing, it would have been persuasive to any of the many, many courts that heard challenges to the election. Yet judges across the country rejected these claims for one reason: These claims are false. As we have seen, perpetuating these lies or standing quietly aside as others do so in your name has deadly consequences. I will not so quietly stand and, instead, expressly denounce these lies.”

“Our nation is at a crossroads,” continued AG Ford. “Every elected official and community leader faces a choice. Will you accept the will of the people in this election, even if you were disappointed by the outcome, and channel your energy to unifying our country? Or will you continue to baselessly lie and defame our democracy and your fellow Americans who risked their health to ensure every eligible citizen could exercise their right to vote in a pandemic?

“Since its inception, our nation has endeavored to create a ‘more perfect union.’ I was raised as a true patriot, believing that America is the world's best example of democracy, albeit one that requires consistent improvement. The hope and steadfast belief in our democracy has always been a guiding star. Even in the midst of the Civil War, as blood was spilled just miles away from our Nation's capital by brother fighting brother, the construction of the Capitol Dome continued rising high into the skyline. Our country, including my ancestors, kept building the seat of our democracy because we believed in its inevitability. Now, over 100 years later, the flag of traitors flew in those hallowed halls, and blood was spilled on its doorsteps to stop one of our most sacred features -- the peaceful transition of power.”

“What is at stake is nothing short of allowing our children to be the first generation of Americans to grow up without steadfast confidence in America's democracy and our Nation's exceptionalism. Failure is unacceptable. That’s why I’ll continue the work toward re-affirming that our Country is, indeed, ‘one Nation, under God, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’”

"My office will not tolerate political violence of any kind. This office represents all the people of Nye County regardless of political affiliation. If you are a victim of political violence, I would urge you to contact law enforcement. We will then decide how to handle any cases submitted to us based on the evidence not the politics.” “Regardless of what you may have heard or read,” Arabia said, “people should know that Sheriff Wehrly and I are unaware of anyone in Nye County planning political violence or any illegal action against any political opponents or governments, either here or outside the County.” Nye County Republican Central Committee Chairman Chris Zimmerman recently sent out an email update predicting, among other things, “high profile arrests” of people in “high offices,” activation of the Emergency Broadcast System, resort to the Insurrection Act, the inauguration of President Trump on January 20, and major internet outages. “I’ve reviewed Mr. Zimmerman’s letter in light of the widespread concerns that it was a call to insurrection or violence,” Arabia said. “First, neither Chairman Zimmerman nor the Committee speak for my office or the County government. That said, the letter does seem mostly to consist of predictions and commentary. In my opinion, it doesn’t incite the reader to engage in unlawful violence and as such, it falls under the protection of the First Amendment."