OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
12:24 PM – Thursday, November 14, 2024
Federal authorities are offering a $25,000 bounty in connection with a series of ballot box fires during early voting last month in Oregon and Washington.
The FBI announced Wednesday that it is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects involved in three incendiary incidents.
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the guilty party.
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According to the FBI, the first incident occurred on October 8th.th A fire broke out at a ballot box in Vancouver, Washington, between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time.
After the first incident, between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. local time on October 28th.thBallot drop boxes in Vancouver, Portland, Oregon, and other cities were similarly destroyed by fire. Officials said fire extinguishing equipment did not work properly, damaging hundreds of voter ballots.
In all three incidents, “improvised incendiary devices” were carefully placed beneath the ballot drop boxes, the FBI said.
Fortunately, the Portland ballot box fire was caught on video by surveillance cameras, including the car in which the man believed to be behind the attack drove away.
A nearly three-minute video released by the FBI shows a vehicle parked near a ballot box set up on a sidewalk. The driver quickly slowed down after igniting something through the driver's window. Shortly after, signs of smoke began to appear at the ballot box, followed by brief sparks.
In one case, election officials claimed that fire extinguishing agent protected “nearly all” the ballots and prevented further damage.
The FBI described the suspicious getaway car as a “black Volvo S-60 sedan” [made in] From early 2003 to 2004, lighter upholstery and darker wheels were introduced. ” Additionally, this vehicle does not have the Volvo logo on the front grille. The driver is described as a “white male, approximately 30 to 40 years of age, with light hair,” according to the FBI.
“At the time of the incident on October 28, 2024, the vehicle displayed an incorrect temporary Washington license plate on the rear, but no license plate on the front. A plate not associated with Volvo. may no longer be attached to the vehicle,” the FBI said. “It is believed that he may have experience in metal processing or welding,” the agency added.
The incendiary device used in the first incident was engraved with the words “Liberate Gaza'' and “Liberate Palestine,'' two people familiar with the ongoing investigation said. ABC News. Additionally, the last two devices were marked with the phrase “Free Gaza.”
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