05/30/2026
EDIT to add image of car.
From Dan Fry:
Last night, between midnight, when my son came home, and 2 AM, when I woke up, my car had its passenger-side windows smashed in. I didn’t notice until my wife came in with a serious look on her face and told me to come look at the car. This might have been a random burglary attempt, but nothing was stolen. It was also the only car of the four in the driveway to be targeted. There were also no other cars targeted on my street as far as I know. In addition, the damaged car was the one I parked at the Republican Central Committee meeting, and it was a rental, so not one I normally drive.
I am one of four independent members of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC). The committee has been divided for years between two competing factions, and last night's meeting came to a head over who would lead the party. I stood firmly behind Ben Toews and John Padula for chairman and vice chairman. They didn't win, but something unexpected happened: both sides came together and agreed on a new shared slate of leaders, with each faction holding a seat at the table. Not everyone was happy about that. I've been blamed for brokering that compromise, accused of destroying the Republican Party in Kootenai County.
It is this combination of blame and targeted damage that causes my suspicion to rise to the point where I say it was politically targeted damage. At this time, I am not making any accusations, only voicing my suspicions, as I have no hard evidence of wrongdoing by anyone. I will leave the investigations and accusations to the professionals of law enforcement.
I am asking everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the unity that has come to the Republican party after four years of tension. We are a community of believers, law-abiding citizens, parents, and families, and the last thing anyone wants to see is political violence. When I was running, I told many of my constituents, "Let me be your shield." I meant that metaphorically, but I am just as happy to mean it literally. I've taken hits before, some a lot worse than a broken window, and I'd rather it land on me than on someone who wasn't ready for it. When I was in the military, that was the thought that motivated me to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan so we wouldn’t have to fight at home. Now, political realities and hindsight aside, that thought still motivates me. I am glad it was me and not someone else. Isaiah 6:8
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” This is my prayer and call, here am I, send me either in war, in peace, or in politics.
Daniel Fry
Republican Central Committee
Post Falls Precinct 509
