By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-30 01:21:30 | Updated at 2024-10-30 03:31:35
2 hours ago
Devices marked with the words 'Free Gaza' were left behind at ballot boxes that were set ablaze in the Pacific Northwest on Monday, investigators revealed.
Detectives were working to determine whether the arsonist was a pro-Palestinian activist or just using the divisive conflict to inflame tensions ahead of the election, law enforcement sources told the New York Times
Police described the fires in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington as a 'direct attack on American democracy.'
Investigators have released an image of a black Volvo S-60 with its front license plate removed that they are trying to locate. A suspect has not been named.
The ballot boxes were set aflame by an unknown arsonist in the Pacific Northwest on Monday
Investigators are seeking a suspect vehicle, a black Volvo S-60, that was captured on security footage leaving the devices before they exploded at the ballot boxes
Law enforcement sources noted that while investigations into the motive behind the 'Free Gaza' devices are ongoing, they have undoubtedly added another layer to the situation that has gained national attention ahead of election day.
A third device was also reportedly found this month in Vancouver with the words 'Free Palestine' on it, and officials said they believe all three events are linked, the Times reported.
On Tuesday, Mike Benner, a spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau, said he was not aware of markings on the devices but said they have been sent for forensic analysis.
'As part of that analysis, the device will be examined for unique writings and markings,' he said.
Authorities seen working to put out a fire at a ballot box in Vancouver, WA started early Monday morning. It was one of two fires set at two ballot boxes in two separate states
An image released by the Portland Police Bureau shows the ballot box after an 'incendiary device' was discovered inside the box starting a fire
The fire burning at the ballot box in Vancouver, WA early Monday morning. Police say the fire was set by a device placed outside the ballot box which had hundreds of ballots in it at the time
It is unclear how many ballots were destroyed in the fires, however at one of the sites in Portland only three votes were ruined because the ballot box's automatic fire suppressant system extinguished the fire.
The fire suppressant system did not work as well in Vancouver and hundreds of ballots were destroyed, officials said.
The difference may have been how the perpetrator placed the 'incendiary' device, as in Portland, the device was put inside the ballot box, while in Vancouver the device was left outside it.
Election authorities are asking anyone who dropped a ballot at the site in Vancouver after late Saturday morning to request a replacement ballot.
Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott revealed that the Oregon county has now employed 24-hour private security 'roving patrols' to 'put eyes on the drop boxes.
The latest concerning incident comes a week after Pennsylvania launched an investigation into 2,500 suspected fraudulent voter applications.
And while Oregon and Washington are not swing states, the ballot fires this month could have an impact in down-ballot races.
In particular, a congressional race in southwest Washington between incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Joe Kent has drawn attention as it is deemed one of the most competitive in the nation.
