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Dale Whitaker

for Spokane County Auditor (R)

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STATEMENT FROM SPOKANE COUNTY AUDITOR CANDIDATE DALE WHITAKER FOLLOWING ASSAULT WHILE PUTTING UP CAMPAIGN SIGNS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MAY 23, 2026

SPOKANE, WA — Yesterday, while putting up campaign signs alongside Spokane County Treasurer Mike Volz, I was assaulted by a homeless individual in the City of Spokane during what should have been a routine campaign activity.

The situation escalated quickly, and I am incredibly grateful that two good samaritans, who were working late, took the time to stop and help in an effort to de-escalate the situation before anyone was seriously injured. Their courage and willingness to act made a real difference.

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No citizen, volunteer, candidate or elected official should have to fear for their safety while participating in the democratic process or simply going about their daily lives in our community.

Unfortunately, incidents like this are becoming far too common in Spokane. Residents across our county continue to see the growing impacts of addiction driven homelessness, mental illness, crime, and public disorder every day. These challenges did not appear overnight, and they are the result of years of failed leadership and misguided policies from the progressive majority on the Spokane City Council and Democrat leadership in Olympia.

Too many elected officials have prioritized political ideology over accountability and public safety. Meanwhile, families, small businesses, community volunteers, and taxpayers are left dealing with the consequences.

This incident is another reminder that elections matter now more than ever.

The future of Spokane County depends on electing leaders who are willing to restore accountability, prioritize public safety, and bring common sense back to local government. This includes the Spokane County Auditor’s Office.

The County Auditor plays a critical role in protecting election integrity, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust in government. At a time when confidence in public institutions is under pressure, Spokane County needs leadership focused on accountability, fairness, and serving the public. Not politics as usual.

I remain committed to running a campaign focused on transparency, accountability, honest government and safer communities. We must restore confidence in local leadership. Spokane County deserves better, and together we can change the direction of our community.

Despite the attack occurring inside City limits, the Spokane County Sherriff's office responded to the incident. I would like to thank the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent response and handling of the situation. The Officers responding conducted themselves professionally and treated everyone involved with the dignity and respect our community deserves.

Dale Whitaker, Candidate for Spokane County Auditor



Background

On the afternoon of May 22, 2026, Spokane County Auditor candidate Dale Whitaker and Spokane County Treasurer Mike Volz were placing campaign signs when a homeless individual got off his bike and allegedly assaulted Volz. Whitaker then began recording the incident on his phone.

Two bystanders witnessed the incident, stopped to assist, and intervened. While waiting for the Spokane Police Department to arrive, the individual allegedly head-butted Whitaker, an incident captured on video. Responding officers arrived shortly afterward and detained the suspect.

According to Whitaker, when asked by Officers if he would like to press charges he responded “I would like him to get help.” Officers quickly advised Whitaker that the individual would only be able to receive help or intervention through the criminal justice system if charges were pursued, and that the alternative would be that the individual would be released. Whitaker and Volz subsequently informed officers they wished to press charges.




Contact:

Dale Whitaker
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (509) 251-3742
Website: www.whitakerforauditor.com [link removed]

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Dale Whitaker

for Spokane County Auditor (R)

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Paid for by Dale Whitaker for County Auditor

8414 N. Wall St., Suite C. Spokane, WA 99208

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