Oregon, Washington Police Warn Of Potential For More Ballot Box Burnings
Law enforcement in Oregon and Washington is on high alert following recent ballot box bombings, with officials warning that the suspect could strike again. Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told reporters on Wednesday that investigators believe it’s “very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area.”
The suspect has been described as a thin-faced white male in his 30s or 40s, with balding or very short hair and a medium to thin build, wearing dark clothing. Authorities believe he has experience in metal fabrication and welding, potentially aiding him in creating the incendiary devices used in the attacks. Benner noted that detectives will hold another press conference to provide additional information on the investigation.
🚨🇺🇸#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 attacks, which took place Monday in Portland, Oregon, and nearby Vancouver, Washington, involved incendiary devices set ablaze at ballot drop box sites just days before the upcoming presidential election. While the damage in Portland was minimal, with only three ballots suffering light burns due to the state’s fire suppression system, nearly 500 ballots were destroyed in Vancouver, where the system reportedly failed to activate.
Surveillance footage from the Portland bombing site captured a vehicle believed to be involved in the incidents. The car, a Volvo S60 from the early 2000s, is described as having dark wheels, unpainted body trim, a tan or light grey interior, and an aftermarket grille with the Volvo emblem missing. Police say the car’s finish is more matte than a typical glossy 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
Authorities are also investigating the potential motive, noting that the incendiary devices reportedly bore the message “Free Gaza.” The Department of Homeland Security recently issued a warning about incendiary threats to ballot boxes, heightening concerns as Election Day approaches.
These bombings add to the tension surrounding the election as police work to prevent further incidents. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the suspect or vehicle to come forward as they intensify efforts to safeguard election sites.