A past contender for the Arizona Democratic congressional seat finds herself embroiled in controversy after an unsettling incident. Brianna Westbrook was detained following allegations of forcibly entering her former partner’s residence wielding a knife and carrying tape. When apprehended, Westbrook purportedly characterized the situation as a “misunderstanding” tied to an unagreed BDSM scenario, court records reveal.
On the evening of July 10, at approximately 6 p.m., Phoenix police responded to an alarming call. A woman reported that her ex-partner, Brianna Westbrook, had misled her into opening the door by posing as her son, as outlined in court files. Upon answering, the woman allegedly found Westbrook brandishing a knife and gripping black tape. The confrontation quickly escalated into a struggle, culminating in Westbrook allegedly forcing the victim onto a couch and commanding her to remain still while she screamed for help.
Not only known for her political aspirations, Westbrook is also a prominent activist for transgender rights and has held the position of vice chair with the Arizona Democratic Party.
Brianna Westbrook was previously photographed speaking passionately at a demonstration at the Arizona state Capitol on January 22, 2023. The protest was a response to proposed legislation targeting drag shows. (Antranik Tavitian/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
The victim’s cries drew her sister into the fray, where Westbrook, reportedly with the knife in hand, allegedly threatened both women with a lunge. According to court documents, a plea from the victim about her son’s imminent return led to Westbrook’s hasty exit from the scene.
Officers went to Westbrook’s residence, where the suspect said the whole thing was a “big misunderstanding” and that Westbrook and the victim were into BDSM.
Westbrook admitted going to the individual’s house armed with a knife and duct tape, but claimed the scene was mutually planned, saying “the victim and her agreed on the scene through subliminal messages they exchanged on Instagram.”
Westbrook also claimed the two had “agreed to re-enact a scene where Westbrook scares the victim to help her deal with prior childhood trauma of abuse,” according to court documents.
Brianna Westbrook, a transgender rights activist and former vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, is seen in a portrait taken in front of a transgender pride flag. (Brianna Westbrook/Creative Commons)
“Westbrook was given the subliminal message on Instagram that the victim was ready … to start the scene. Westbrook admitted to going over to the residence with a knife, knocking on the door, entering the residence while armed with a fake knife and tape,” police said in the probable cause statement. “Westbrook said she told the victim to sit on the couch. The witness then exited out of her room, interrupting the scene. Westbrook then left the residence.”
However, the victim told police she never agreed to “re-creating” the BDSM scene.
Brianna Westbrook is seen seated in a crowd during a public proceeding. (Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons)
Westbrook was charged with felony third-degree burglary and aggravated assault using a simulated deadly weapon, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
A release questionnaire for Westbrook’s arrest also obtained by News Media shows that police checked boxes stating that the suspect has a history of domestic violence, noting that the “frequency/intensity” of such incidents has been increasing.
A preliminary hearing for Westbrook is scheduled for Monday.
News Media reached out to Westbrook for comment.