PHOTOS: Tea Party bus vandalized in Phoenix during nationwide tour

FIRST ON FOX: A recent incident occurred during the national Tea Party’s “Only Citizens Vote” tour bus stop in Phoenix, where vandals slashed the tires of the bus. The group has been traveling across the country to support the SAVE Act, and the act of vandalism took place just before the bus was set to make stops in Tuscon and Scottsdale. The bus, adorned with decals promoting the Tea Party and election integrity, had the words “ONLY CITIZENS VOTE” displayed prominently.

Photos shared with Fox News Digital captured the damage caused to the bus on Tuesday night. The Tea Party Patriots Action responded to the incident, with honorary chairperson Jenny Beth Martin denouncing the act as an attack on free speech, civic engagement, and secure elections. Despite the setback, Tea Party Patriots Action affirmed that their tour would continue as planned, rallying Americans to support the SAVE Act.

The nationwide tour, which kicked off in Garden Grove, California, includes stops in 16 states before culminating in Washington, D.C., where the group plans to deliver petition signatures to members of Congress in a bid to garner support for the SAVE Act.

The proposed SAVE Act aims to require proof-of-citizenship documents from potential voters during the registration process. The bill seeks to prevent states from processing national voter registration forms without specific proof-of-citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, government-issued driver’s licenses, or military identification card.

The vandalism of the Tea Party bus is part of a larger trend of attacks targeting Republican entities and figures. In recent weeks, incidents of vandalism have been reported at various GOP offices and properties, including the district office of Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Penn. Additionally, several GOP headquarters in states like New York, Virginia, and New Mexico have been targeted.

Concerns about escalating violence following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House have prompted calls for increased security measures. In March, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee advised against holding in-person town halls to mitigate potential risks. The incident in Phoenix follows a series of property damage and assaults against federal buildings and immigration officials in Los Angeles earlier this year.

As the political landscape remains fraught with tension, incidents of vandalism and violence serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political activism and advocacy in the current climate.