In a disturbing development, several election offices in Oregon found themselves the targets of bomb threats mere days after the contentious 2024 US election. The FBI has confirmed it is “aware” of the threats, which were reported by local clerks in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties who received menacing emails late last week.
While none of the threats were ultimately deemed credible, they underscore the increasingly hostile climate surrounding American elections. “Election integrity is among the FBI’s highest priorities,” the agency stated, vowing to work closely with state and local law enforcement to respond to any threats against election officials and safeguard communities.
Clerks Recount Chilling Threats
Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison revealed that his office had referred the threats to law enforcement partners and the secretary of state’s office. Meanwhile, Crook County Clerk Cheryl Seely recounted receiving the email bomb threat “just before closing last Friday,” prompting her team to follow necessary protocols for such situations.
Jefferson County Clerk Kate Zemke confirmed that her office had also been targeted, addressing the threat in a similar manner. The fact that most Oregon counties reported receiving identical email threats on the same day suggests a coordinated effort to intimidate election workers and sow chaos.
Ballot Boxes Set Ablaze
The bomb threats are just the latest in a series of alarming election-related incidents. In October, ballot boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were set on fire using incendiary devices. Federal authorities have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to those responsible.
Curiously, the devices bore the words “free Gaza,” though it remains unclear if the perpetrator genuinely had grievances related to the Gaza war or simply aimed to sow confusion. The unsettling nature of these acts cannot be overstated, as they directly threaten the foundations of our democratic process.
Suspicious Packages and Prior Incidents
On Tuesday, the area near the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend was cordoned off as the Oregon State Police bomb squad and local police responded to reports of a suspicious package. Fortunately, the package was found to contain only hygiene products, but the incident highlights the tense atmosphere and heightened vigilance surrounding election facilities.
Disturbingly, this is not the first time Bend has dealt with such threats. In 2020, a local man was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for crafting a hoax bomb and threatening to blow up a courthouse. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder that the specter of election-related violence persists.
Protecting the Integrity of Our Elections
As the FBI works to uncover those behind the recent bomb threats and ballot box fires, it is crucial that election officials at all levels remain vigilant. The targeting of election offices and infrastructure poses a grave danger not only to the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections but to the very fabric of our democracy.
We must stand united in condemning any attempts to undermine the integrity of our elections through intimidation, violence, or destruction of property. It is the duty of every American to protect and preserve the sacred right to vote.
– Statement from a prominent election integrity advocate
In the face of these threats, it is more important than ever that we support and protect those who work on the front lines of our democracy. Election officials, volunteers, and poll workers deserve our gratitude and respect for their commitment to upholding the principles that define us as a nation.
As the 2024 election season progresses, Americans must remain alert to any attempts to undermine the sanctity of the ballot box. By working together to denounce violence, safeguard our election infrastructure, and ensure that every legitimate vote is counted, we can demonstrate the resilience of our democratic institutions in the face of those who seek to tear them down.
