MONROVIA – William Thompson, candidate for the Bong County District 6 representative seat, has sounded the alarm after his residence in the Rehab neighborhood was targeted by unidentified intruders. Thompson, who is running as a candidate for the Coalition for Democratic Change, has expressed deep apprehension and insecurity for himself and his family following the incident. This alarming event occurred in Paynesville, just outside Monrovia, on August 26, 2023.
By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
During a media briefing on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, William Thompson recounted the harrowing encounter with the unknown intruders. He revealed that their unsettling actions, which did not involve theft or the removal of valuable items from his home, have left him shaken with fear.
Thompson explained that he had left his Monrovia residence around midnight to campaign in Bong County. However, just two hours later, his residence was invaded by unidentified individuals armed with weapons, actively searching for him.
“They entered the property, proceeded to my window, and forcefully entered my room after removing the iron bar. They thoroughly searched the premises, but I was not there since I had left my younger brother at home. They proceeded to my brother’s room, interrogated him about my whereabouts, and despite his assurance that I was not present, they continued searching the house. They took his phone momentarily, then returned it and left, locking him inside. Another individual stood guard as they conducted their search,” Thompson reported.
“My younger brother noted that the intruders wore masks, making it impossible to identify any of them. They seemed determined to locate me,” he added.
Intriguingly, despite the presence of valuable items such as computers and a television, the intruders did not steal anything, leaving Thompson bewildered.
Thompson promptly reported the incident to the police, given the uncertain nature of the threat to his safety.
“This is a direct threat to my life. Typically, common criminals break into homes to steal. They had access to expensive electronics, yet they left them untouched, solely focusing on finding me,” Thompson stated.
Detailing his distressing experience, Thompson firmly believes that the individuals behind the attack are not ordinary criminals. He asserts that the method they employed to gain unauthorized access to his residence suggests a deliberate mission aimed at endangering his life.
“In the lead-up to this incident, I had received several anonymous calls with threats to my life. Every time I attempted to respond, the caller would terminate the call. Politics should not be conflated with warfare. I am perplexed by the motives of these individuals. If I had been at home that night, I shudder to think of what might have befallen me by now,” Thompson expressed.
Thompson now lives in fear, uncertain of where to find refuge, as this situation has triggered a profound sense of panic. He implores the Liberia National Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
This alarming attack marks the first time that Thompson has encountered such a threat, intensifying his anxiety for his safety. While he suspects political motives behind the incident, he refrains from naming anyone specifically as the potential perpetrator.
“I do not wish to rush the police investigation, but I firmly believe this attack has political underpinnings. Perhaps someone feels threatened that they will not be reelected. We urge the police to investigate this matter meticulously, as we are convinced that someone is behind this,” concluded William Thompson.