Oregon and Washington authorities are on high alert following a series of ballot box bombings, warning the public that the suspect may plan additional attacks. Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner told reporters that “investigators believe it is very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area,” raising security concerns ahead of the election.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | UPDATE
WASHINGTON POLICE RELEASED 2 PICTURES OF
A CAR THAT MIGHT BE INVOLVED WITH THE 3 BALLOT BOXS FIRES.WPD Say that the ballot box fire suppression system worked and only a dozen ballots were destroyed. They believe all three boxes were destroyed by one… pic.twitter.com/QSHrQMSCyd
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) October 29, 2024
The suspect is a white male in his 30s or 40s, with a thin face, balding or very short hair, and a medium build. Detectives believe he has experience in metal fabrication and welding, which may have helped him create incendiary devices used in the bombings. Benner announced a second press conference to provide more details later in the evening.
The attacks, which occurred in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, targeted ballot drop boxes and resulted in significant ballot damage. While Oregon’s fire suppression system minimized destruction, saving most ballots in Portland, Vancouver’s system failed, leading to nearly 500 destroyed ballots.
A car seen near the Portland bombing site has become a key focus in the investigation. Described as an early 2000s Volvo S60 with dark wheels, a matte finish, an aftermarket grille with no Volvo emblem, and no front license plate, police are asking the public for help in identifying the vehicle.
"The flames you're seeing aren't just fire – they're the burning voices of hundreds of American citizens, their votes going up in smoke.
Someone set fire to a ballot drop box.
This is the same America that claims to be the global guardian of democracy, yet in its own elections,… pic.twitter.com/jkNccYqT1R
— Varun Rana (@varunrana86) October 29, 2024
So they're not even hiding it now. They're just literally burning The Ballot Box and it's contents. Absolutely INSANE. pic.twitter.com/XTSXBhg6mG
— RyanRipz The Left 🇺🇸 (@RyanRipzTheLeft) October 28, 2024
Investigators shared that the incendiary devices were labeled with the phrase “Free Gaza,” suggesting a potential motive behind the attacks. The Department of Homeland Security previously warned of incendiary threats to election sites, adding urgency to the police search.
Officials are taking steps to secure ballot drop boxes and have requested the public’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activity. With Election Day drawing near, authorities are working to prevent further incidents, hoping to ensure a safe voting process for all.
