Trans Former AZDEM Vice-Chair Busted after Alleged Knifepoint Break-In

PHOENIX — Brianna Westbrook, a former Arizona Democratic Party vice chair and multiple-time candidate for public office, was arrested July 10 after a former partner accused Westbrook of forcing her way into a Phoenix residence while carrying a knife and duct tape, according to court records reported by 12News.

The conservative social-media account Libs of TikTok drew national attention to the arrest on Tuesday, saying Westbrook faced allegations that included aggravated assault, kidnapping, and second-degree burglary. The account also used inflammatory language concerning Westbrook’s transgender identity that was unrelated to the alleged offenses. According to the account provided to investigators, Westbrook allegedly “pushed her way” into the residence while holding the knife and tape. Westbrook and the former partner then reportedly struggled inside the home before Westbrook allegedly pushed the other person onto a couch.

The alleged victim screamed and told Westbrook to stop, prompting Westbrook to run from the residence, according to the court records. Police subsequently detained Westbrook.

Westbrook reportedly told officers the incident was a “big misunderstanding” and claimed the confrontation was part of a “scene” that Westbrook and the former partner had agreed to act out. The former partner denied agreeing to participate in any such activity, according to the records.

Investigators later obtained a search warrant and allegedly recovered a knife, tape, and gloves. Westbrook was booked into the Maricopa County jail system and received a $15,000 bond, according to the local report.

Westbrook previously served as vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party and chair of the party’s LGBTQ Caucus. Westbrook also served on the board of Equality Arizona, an LGBTQ advocacy organization.

The 41-year-old activist has repeatedly sought elected office. Westbrook lost the 2018 Democratic special-election primary for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District to Hiral Tipirneni, receiving nearly 40% of the vote. Later that year, Westbrook lost a Democratic primary for the Arizona Senate.

Westbrook most recently competed in the five-candidate 2022 Democratic primary for two Arizona House seats in Legislative District 5, finishing fourth with 14.6% of the vote.

The July arrest is separate from Westbrook’s 2018 detention during a protest at then-U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s Phoenix office. Westbrook said the trespassing charge arising from that protest was eventually dismissed, and he later accused Maricopa County detention officers of mistreatment.

The newest allegations remain pending, and the available reports do not indicate that Westbrook has been convicted of any crime related to the incident. Under the law, criminal allegations must be proven in court, and defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.