Northwest Ballot Box Burnings Prompt Concern Of Further Attacks As Election Nears
In a series of ballot box bombings across Oregon and Washington, law enforcement officials have issued a warning that the unidentified suspect may carry out additional attacks. Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner announced on Wednesday that it is “very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area.”
The suspect is described as a thin-faced white male between 30 and 40 years old, with balding or very short hair and a medium build, often seen wearing dark clothing. Detectives believe he may have a background in metal fabrication and welding, skills that may have aided in crafting the incendiary devices used to ignite the ballot boxes. A second press conference with more information is scheduled.
🚨🇺🇸#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 occurred on Monday at drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. While Oregon’s ballot boxes, which feature a fire-suppression system, only sustained minor damage, Vancouver officials report that nearly 500 ballots were destroyed at a site where the suppression system failed to activate. Oregon’s Elections Director Tim Scott stated, “It worked exactly as it was supposed to,” in reference to Oregon’s system extinguishing the flames upon detecting heat.
The investigation has led police to search for a Volvo S60 from the early 2000s, seen near the Portland attack. The vehicle has dark wheels, an aftermarket grille with no Volvo emblem, a tan or light grey interior, and a matte finish rather than the standard gloss. It also lacks a front license plate, which officials say could aid in its identification.
"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
According to sources, the devices used in the bombings bore the message “Free Gaza.” This detail, coupled with a recent Department of Homeland Security report on potential incendiary attacks on ballot boxes, has prompted heightened security measures around election sites. Law enforcement is actively working to prevent future attacks as the presidential election approaches.
Officials urge the public to report any information on the suspect or vehicle, emphasizing the need for vigilance during the election season.