Authorities reported on Wednesday that the suspect in the arson of two election drop boxes in Oregon and Washington has experience in metallurgy and could be planning more attacks. Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner mentioned that the individual has extensive knowledge in metal manufacturing and welding.
According to investigators, the suspect was captured on surveillance cameras driving a black or dark-colored Volvo S-60 manufactured between 2001 and 2004. The exact number of burned ballots is unknown, but approximately 475 damaged ballots have been recovered. Election personnel are expected to obtain relevant information from the damaged ballots as they sort them.
The Portland Police Department stated that the fires at the voting drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver are connected to a similar incident reported on October 8 at another Vancouver drop box. No damage to the ballots was detected after the fire in Vancouver. Authorities urged voters to check the status of their ballots.
The incendiary devices included the phrase "Freedom for Gaza," and a third device was found in another Vancouver drop box with the legend "Freedom for Palestine." Efforts are underway to identify the responsible party and determine whether the pro-Palestinian stance used in the messages is genuine or intended to confuse. Authorities continue to investigate to clarify the motives behind the attacks.
