Police in Oregon and Washington are ramping up their search for a suspect behind a series of ballot box bombings, warning the public that the individual could strike again. Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner shared on Wednesday that investigators believe “it is very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area.”
The suspect, described as a white male in his 30s or 40s with balding or very short hair and a medium build, is believed to possess skills in metal fabrication and welding. These skills may have been used to construct incendiary devices, which were deployed to ignite ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, just days before 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
At the Portland site, damage was minimal due to the fire suppression system in the ballot box, which activated and contained the flames. However, in Vancouver, nearly 500 ballots were destroyed as the system there failed to engage. Tim Scott, Oregon’s Elections Director, confirmed the effectiveness of Oregon’s system, stating that it “worked exactly as it was supposed to” by extinguishing the flames immediately.
The investigation has also focused on a vehicle seen at the Portland location. The car is described as an early 2000s Volvo S60 with a matte finish, aftermarket grille with a missing emblem, dark wheels, and no front license plate. Authorities are asking the public for any information about this 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
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the devices were labeled with “Free Gaza,” potentially indicating a motive. The Department of Homeland Security previously warned of incendiary threats to ballot boxes, heightening concerns across the Pacific Northwest.
Officials are stepping up security around ballot boxes in response, working to ensure safe voting ahead of the election. Anyone with information on the suspect or the vehicle is encouraged to contact law enforcement as they work to prevent further incidents.
