PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A new viral video has surfaced showing Shelby Busch, one of the leaders of the Maricopa County GOP, making a controversial and threatening statement about Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. In the video, Busch is heard saying she’d lynch Richer, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.

This incident is not the first time Richer has faced threats and verbal insults from within his own party. Since the 2020 election, Richer has received numerous death threats related to his role in overseeing elections. These threats intensified after the 2022 election, with several men being sentenced or indicted for threatening the county’s top election official. Richer has consistently condemned such language in politics, emphasizing the need for civility and respect.

“If lynching is in your vocabulary, you need to have a heart-to-heart with yourself,” Richer said. “That shouldn’t be in your vocabulary given the history of that term, and it shouldn’t be in your vocabulary to say about anyone with whom you disagree.”

Attempts to contact the state GOP for comment have not yet yielded a response. The lack of an immediate response from the state GOP has raised questions about the party's stance on such rhetoric and its commitment to addressing internal conflicts.

Given the history of verbal abuse and threats he has received from his party, Richer also announced that he would not be voting for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Trump has accused Richer of wrongdoing and has perpetuated unsubstantiated claims that the elections were rigged. Richer’s decision not to support Trump underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party over the legitimacy of recent elections and the conduct of party leaders.

Richer’s comments came following the final debate before early voting starts next week. His opponents in the race for county recorder include current state lawmaker Justin Heap and information technology management expert Don Hiatt. Unlike his opponents, Richer was the only candidate on stage who affirmed that the 2020 and 2022 elections were not stolen. This stance has set him apart in a political environment where election denial has become a contentious issue.

In response to a request for comment from Arizona’s Family, Busch stated, “Everyone knows I don’t like Richer. The statement was a joke and was said in jest. I do not condone and would never condone violence against anyone.” Busch’s attempt to downplay her comment as a joke has not mitigated the backlash, with many viewing her words as deeply inappropriate and harmful.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix also released a statement condemning Busch's remarks against Richer, who is Jewish. “We are appalled by these vile comments against Stephen Richer,” the JCRC of Greater Phoenix said. “We urge Ms. Busch to retract and apologize, and the Maricopa County Republican Party to stand against such rhetoric. This kind of language is not only offensive but also dangerous, especially given the historical context of lynching and its association with racial and religious persecution.”

The backlash against Busch’s comments has sparked a broader conversation about the tone and nature of political discourse in Arizona and beyond. Political analysts and community leaders are calling for a return to respectful and constructive dialogue, emphasizing that threats and violent rhetoric have no place in a democratic society.

Richer’s role as Maricopa County Recorder has been under intense scrutiny since the 2020 election. As the official responsible for overseeing elections in one of the nation’s largest counties, he has been at the center of numerous controversies and conspiracy theories. Despite these challenges, Richer has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections, often finding himself at odds with members of his own party.

The upcoming election for Maricopa County Recorder is set against this backdrop of tension and division. With early voting starting next week, voters will soon decide whether to re-elect Richer or choose one of his challengers. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the future of election administration in Maricopa County and for the broader political landscape in Arizona.

As the debate over election integrity and political rhetoric continues, the focus remains on the need for leaders to model civility and respect. Richer’s experience highlights the personal toll of political conflicts and the importance of standing up against threats and intimidation. The response to Busch’s comments will likely influence ongoing discussions about the standards of conduct expected from public officials and party leaders.