A Maricopa County Republican Party leader who was caught on camera talking about wanting to “lynch” Maricopa County’s top elections official told ABC15 he does not condone violence.

Shelby Bush is the first vice chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee. Videos posted on social media show her speaking to a crowd about “unity” and expressing support for candidates with “Christian values.”

Bush then brings up current Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who is running for re-election.

“If Stephen Richer walked into this room, I would lynch him,” Bush said.

Mr. Richer, who is Jewish, is also a Republican. He told ABC15 he took the comment as a threat.

He said he had received frequent threats since taking office in 2021, but this time he disclosed comments he made on his X account.

“The people who can influence others are those in ostensible leadership positions, especially those they know, rather than anonymous commenters online.” said Richer.

The Anti-Defamation League described Bush’s comments in X’s post as “Jew-hating” and demanded that he retract and apologize.

Bush told ABC15 by phone Tuesday that the comment was a “joke” and not a threat. She said the comment did not mean physical death, but “a political lynching in modern parlance, of crushing the enemy.”

Mr. Bush also said he does not condone violence.

“I think it’s important that this is condemned,” Richer said. “That shouldn’t be seen as OK.”

Richer said Bush’s comments will not deter him from seeking another term as county recorder. He will face two challengers in next month’s Republican primary: state Rep. Justin Heap and former IT professional Don Hiatt.