After a GOP headquarters was firebombed in North Carolina, a perhaps unlikely group took up a collection to help rebuild: Democrats. A GoFundMe account set up by self-described Democrats quickly raised over $13,000, far past the $10,000 goal. The fundraiser was set up as a token of goodwill during the truly unsettling political climate.
Many of the donors attached comments to their donations decrying any form of political violence.
The description of the GoFundme:
On October 16, a North Carolina headquarters of the Republican Party was firebombed, and an abhorrent threat was painted on its outside wall
As Democrats, we are starting this campaign to enable the Orange County, North Carolina Republican office to re-open as soon as possible.
Until an investigation is undertaken, we cannot know who did this or why. No matter the result, this is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs.
So, let's all pitch in, no matter what your party affiliation, in and get that office open again quickly.
Of course, because this is 2016 America and we cannot have nice things, some took to Twitter to remind people that despite the fact that an office was firebombed, it's still wrong to donate.
Just a reminder, you’re donating to the same NC GOP that wrote those disgusting voter ID laws that got struck downhttps://t.co/SGS5xjamZz
— David Weiner (@daweiner) October 17, 2016
@zeynep I'm sure the incalculable number of people hurt by the NC GOP are really happy that you could grandstand about this
— ethics gradient (@Phylan) October 17, 2016
@zeynep @Phylan in what way does giving the NCGOP a free 13K to fund their hate campaigns protect the most vulnerable?
— Jake Sheppard (@jsheppard18) October 17, 2016
@zeynep @NCGOP I just don't get it this same party in NC suppress black votes and destroy gay rights. Money spent much better elsewhere
— Withered Arm (@Tangueray41) October 17, 2016
Thankfully, that rhetoric was mostly limited, and people were glad to show a bit of support across the aisle to help rebuild.