Okla. Candidate Says He Was Assaulted While Campaigning

A candidate running for a seat in Oklahoma’s House of Representatives said he was assaulted while putting out yard signs Wednesday afternoon.

Ben Janloo, a candidate for HD-97, said someone hit him over the head, and he ended up in the hospital with a deep gash to his scalp.

“I already had two poles down, and I was checking my sign, and I don't remember after that,” said Ben Janloo.

Oklahoma City police took the report shortly after.

The officer questioned if Janloo possibly fainted, but later said the injury appeared to be from blunt force trauma.

Right now, there are not any suspects, or witnesses.

Family said there are not any cameras with surveillance footage from the intersection of Hefner and Kelley, where the incident occurred.

“I was scared for my dad. He is almost 70. If someone did that to him, it was a sucker move to do to my dad or to anyone else,” said Lisa Janloo. “The political time this year has been the most hatred anyone has seen. We have gotten a lot of messages and phone calls of them not wanting his signs, or ‘take down your signs.’ People are so focused on a party label, instead of who the candidate is.”

Janloo's opponent in the house race is Representative Jason Lowe.

Lowe issued the following statement:

"I'm deeply saddened to hear my opponent say that he was hit while putting signs out for his campaign. I don't believe that anyone should be attacked, I pray for his safety, and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr. Janloo, whether running against me or not, is a constituent, and I believe we all need to ensure that we treat our neighbors the way we want to be treated."

Janloo said his team is using this as motivation in the race to improve the district.

Also, as a result of the alleged attack, more volunteers helped place more yard signs throughout the day.