Seven to ten shots fired at county commission candidate’s Huntersville home

Seven to ten shots were fired at the Huntersville home of Mecklenburg County Commission candidate Aaron Marin on Monday night while he, his wife and their two young sons were inside, investigators and the candidate said. Shell casings were found across the driveway and rounds struck trees, vehicles, a mailbox and a children’s basketball hoop, according to investigators and the candidate.

Marin, who is the only Republican running in the District 1 race for the 2026 Mecklenburg County Commission, described the gunfire as targeted. Marin wrote on social media that the shots were “intentionally directed only at our house” and added, “By God's grace, we are all safe and unharmed — but as a husband and father, there are no words to describe the shock of hearing gunfire directed at your home.” He also wrote, “Violence has no place in our community or in our political process. Differences must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue and the democratic process — not through violence.”

The Huntersville Police Department responded with crime-scene investigators and is probing the circumstances. The police report described the incident as a drive-by, and investigators have not released a motive or identified any suspects. An early account of the incident said “Police confirmed it as a targeted attack,” a characterization that has not been reflected in an official police statement available to the public. No arrests have been reported.

Marin said he and neighbors have provided Ring doorbell footage to investigators, and that the family called 911 after initially thinking the noise might be a car backfiring. He told reporters he did not yet feel safe in front of his house and that his children no longer feel safe playing in the driveway. “I will not be intimidated,” Marin said. “My commitment to serving Mecklenburg County and protecting our community remains stronger than ever.”

The shooting raises immediate public safety and civic concerns in a county race where candidate visibility and voter contact are core to campaigning. Marin lost the District 1 race in 2024 to Elaine Powell and will face the winner of a three-candidate Democratic primary in November 2026. The incident places pressure on local law enforcement to provide clarity on whether the attack was politically motivated and to explain what protections are being offered to candidates and families.

Investigators have collected physical evidence at the scene but have not disclosed forensic details such as number of bullet impacts beyond the listed property damage or any ballistic matches. The lack of a public police statement confirming motive or suspect description leaves key questions about intent and public risk unanswered.

The event underscores the broader policy challenge of safeguarding candidates and preserving safe civic participation without impeding investigations. Local officials and the Huntersville Police Department should disclose whether they are seeking public tips, whether additional resources or interagency assistance has been requested, and how election authorities are advising candidates on security measures as the campaign season proceeds.