Federal authorities are investigating a series of ballot box fires in Oregon and Washington, offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. The attacks, which occurred days before the 2024 election, destroyed or damaged hundreds of ballots and raised concerns about election security in states heavily reliant on mail-in voting.
The FBI described the suspect as a white male in his 30s or 40s with thinning or very short hair. Investigators believe he may have metalworking or welding experience.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
Surveillance footage shows the suspect driving a dark-colored 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with dark wheels and a light-colored interior. The car had a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front plate but authorities warned the fraudulent plate may no longer be on the vehicle.
The #FBI offers a reward of up to $25,000 for info leading to the identification, arrest, & conviction of the suspect responsible for setting incendiary fires at ballot boxes in Vancouver, WA, & Portland, OR, in Oct 2024: https://t.co/a3hhyZnp0Z pic.twitter.com/amEckWg3ta
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) November 13, 2024
The first incident occurred on Oct. 8 in Vancouver, Washington, when a ballot box was set on fire. No ballots were damaged.
On Oct. 28, improvised incendiary devices targeted ballot boxes in Vancouver and Portland within a two-hour window. Nearly 500 ballots were destroyed or damaged in Vancouver. A fire suppression system in the Portland drop box saved all but three ballots.
The incendiary devices were marked with messages such as “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” Investigators are determining whether the messages reflect genuine political views or were intended to exploit existing political divisions.
Portland police noted the devices displayed detailed welding work, suggesting the suspect has advanced technical skills.
William Brooks, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland office, said the attacks undermine the rights of voters in both states.
“Voters in Oregon and Washington deserve answers, and their voices cannot be silenced by violent actions,” Brooks said.
Election officials have mailed replacement ballots to affected voters where possible. However, some ballots were destroyed. Oregon and Washington rely predominantly on mail-in voting and ballot drop boxes. In-person voting only accounts for a small fraction of ballots cast.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
