Law enforcement in Oregon and Washington is on high alert after a series of ballot box bombings, warning that the suspect may plan additional attacks. Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner told reporters on Wednesday that “it is very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area,” raising concerns as Election Day approaches.
The suspect is described as a white male between 30 and 40 years old, with a thin face, balding or very short hair, and a medium build. Detectives believe he has skills in metal fabrication and welding, which may have helped him construct the incendiary devices used in the attacks. A second press conference later today is expected to provide further details.
🚨🇺🇸#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 bombings, which occurred Monday in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, targeted ballot drop boxes and resulted in hundreds of ballots being destroyed. While Oregon’s ballot boxes feature fire suppression systems that minimized damage—saving most ballots in Portland—Vancouver’s system failed, leading to nearly 500 burned ballots.
Surveillance footage from the Portland attack revealed a vehicle believed to be linked to the suspect, described as an early 2000s Volvo S60 with unique features: a matte finish, dark wheels, an aftermarket grille without a Volvo emblem, and no front license plate. Police are urging anyone who recognizes the vehicle to come forward.
"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 revealed that the incendiary devices were emblazoned with the phrase “Free Gaza,” adding a potential motive. The Department of Homeland Security had previously issued a report warning of incendiary threats targeting election sites, a warning that now appears increasingly relevant.
Authorities are intensifying security around ballot boxes and encouraging the public to report suspicious activity. As Election Day draws near, officials are taking steps to ensure that voting can proceed without further incidents.
