Teenager canvassing for Warnock shot in Savannah ahead of Georgia runoff
A teenager was shot outside a home in Georgia while campaigning for Raphael Warnock, the incumbent Democratic senator who faces a runoff against the Republican Herschel Walker on Tuesday, police said.
Related: Georgia runoff: full steam ahead for Democrats as they aim to solidify Senate majority
The Savannah police department said a 42-year-old man shot at the teenager through a closed door on Thursday, striking the teen in the leg.
The 15-year-old victim was taken to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, police said. A suspect, Jimmy Paiz, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
“At this point, there is no indication the shooting was politically motivated,” Savannah police said in a statement.
Warnock and Walker are locked in a tight race that was triggered when Warnock won the first vote on midterms polling day last month but did not pass 50%. Polling now shows Warnock with a slight lead over Walker, a Trump-endorsed former NFL star, ahead of the vote on Tuesday.
“I am saddened to learn about this incident. I am praying for the victim and their family and wish them a full recovery,” Warnock told the Savannah Morning News.
The shooting took place on Thursday evening, police said.
“While at the front door of one of the residences on Hartridge Street,” the statement said, “the suspect fired a shot through the closed door, striking the teen.”
A victory for Warnock in the runoff would secure a 51-49 majority for Democrats in the Senate. They currently control an evenly split chamber by virtue of Kamala Harris, the vice-president, holding a tie-breaking vote.
Walker’s campaign has been marked by accusations that he has abused girlfriends and paid for abortions, despite his anti-abortion stance.
The former running back, who has never served in office, has also faced claims that he actually lives in Texas, not Georgia. Walker has denied all allegations against him.
