A Republican candidate’s family home was riddled with bullets in a confirmed targeted attack while his wife and young children were inside, raising alarming questions about political violence and the safety of conservatives who dare to run for office.
Story Snapshot
- Aaron Marin’s Huntersville home struck by 7-10 gunshots on February 16, 2026, with his wife and two young children inside
- Police confirmed the attack was “targeted in nature,” not a random act of violence, with FBI now assisting the investigation
- Marin is the only Republican candidate running for Mecklenburg County Commission District 1
- No arrests have been made; perpetrators remain at large while the family lives in fear
Targeted Attack on Republican Candidate’s Home
Aaron Marin’s residence on Green Farm Road in Huntersville became a crime scene on February 16, 2026, when unknown assailants fired 7-10 rounds at his property around 7:45 p.m. The Republican candidate for Mecklenburg County Commission District 1 was not home, but his wife and two young children were inside when bullets struck multiple vehicles, a basketball hoop backboard, and a tree. Shell casings recovered from the roadway provided critical evidence. The Huntersville Police Department, after thorough investigation, officially confirmed on February 19 that this was a targeted attack, dispelling any notion of random gang violence or mistaken identity.
FBI Involvement Signals Serious Federal Concerns
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s entry into this case elevates it beyond a typical local shooting investigation. Authorities are examining potential federal charges under North Carolina General Statute 14-34.1, which addresses discharging a firearm into occupied property. The FBI’s involvement suggests law enforcement is treating this as a matter of potential political violence against a candidate during an active election cycle. Detective G. Aron is leading the investigation and accepting tips at 704-464-5517 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted through North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers. Despite the coordinated law enforcement response, no arrests have been made as of February 19, 2026.
Family Terrorized, Community Shaken
The psychological toll on Marin’s family has been severe. His children, who had been playing outside shortly before the shooting, are now terrified and refuse to go outside. The attack has transformed their home from a place of safety into a reminder of vulnerability. Marin stated he does not know why he would be targeted and has refused to speculate on motive, though the timing during his campaign cannot be ignored. This incident introduces broader concerns about residential safety in Huntersville and Mecklenburg County. When political candidates cannot safely live in their own homes with their families, it threatens the foundation of democratic participation and representative government.
Candidate Vows to Continue Despite Intimidation
Marin has declared he will not be intimidated and intends to continue his campaign for Mecklenburg County Commission District 1. His determination to press forward despite this attack demonstrates courage that many Americans admire in their elected representatives. As the only Republican candidate running for this position, his withdrawal would leave voters without a choice. The attack raises troubling questions about whether political violence is being used to influence electoral outcomes. While police have not confirmed a political motive, the targeted nature of the attack against an active political candidate during election season creates legitimate concerns about intimidation tactics aimed at silencing conservative voices in local government.
Sources:
NC Police Confirm Republican Candidate Was Target of Drive-By Shooting – Townhall
North Carolina Republican Candidate’s Home Targeted in Suspected Drive-By – WLT Report










