GOP Politician's Vehicle Shot up, Home Targeted in North Carolina

Local authorities and the FBI are investigating the shooting incident targeting a Republican county commissioner candidate.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A Republican candidate for county commissioner in North Carolina, Aaron Marin, was the target of a drive-by shooting at his home, with his vehicle, a tree, and a basketball hoop backboard hit by gunfire. Marin said he and his family do not feel safe in their own neighborhood after the incident, which is now being investigated by local police and the FBI. The attack comes amid ongoing political tensions and rhetoric vilifying the GOP as 'fascists' and 'racists'.

Why it matters

The shooting targeting a GOP political candidate highlights the growing concerns over political violence and the divisive rhetoric that has escalated in recent years, with opponents of the Republican Party often accused of using inflammatory language that some argue could incite attacks. This incident raises questions about the safety of candidates and the ability to have peaceful political discourse.

The details

According to reports, the shooting occurred on Monday in the town of Huntersville, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. Marin, the only Republican running for county commissioner in District 1 of Mecklenburg County, said he and his children had been outside just an hour before the incident. Police found multiple shell casings in Marin's driveway, and his car, a tree, and a basketball hoop were all hit by gunfire. Marin expressed that he and his family no longer feel safe in their own neighborhood.

  • The shooting incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Marin said he and his children had been outside just an hour before the shooting.

The players

Aaron Marin

A Republican candidate for county commissioner in District 1 of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Huntersville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident, with assistance from the FBI.

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What they’re saying

“We called the police immediately, and they found all these shells outside on our driveway, and we realized that this was immediately targeted.”

— Aaron Marin, Republican county commissioner candidate (WBTV)

“This is happening in our community. In Huntersville. In what appears to be a safe neighborhood. Today, I don't feel safe to be standing right here in front of you on this street. Our kids don't feel safe to be here. We don't feel safe to play in our driveway anymore. It is disturbing what we have experienced.”

— Aaron Marin, Republican county commissioner candidate (WSOC-TV)

What’s next

The Huntersville Police Department and the FBI are continuing their investigation into the shooting incident to determine the motive and identify any suspects.

The takeaway

This attack on a Republican political candidate highlights the growing concerns over political violence and the divisive rhetoric that has escalated in recent years, with opponents of the GOP often accused of using inflammatory language that some argue could incite such attacks. The incident raises questions about the safety of candidates and the ability to have peaceful political discourse.