Incendiary devices marked with “Free Gaza” were used to ignite ballot drop boxes in Washington state earlier this week, with authorities suspecting a political motive for the arson attack. The fires destroyed hundreds of ballots, though the extent of the damage remains unknown, according to Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey. Investigators are examining possible connections to a recent drop box fire in nearby Portland, Oregon, which also involved incendiary devices.
The Clark County Elections ballot drop box at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center was lit on fire this morning. Clark Co. Auditor Greg Kimsey says hundreds of ballots were inside at the time, the last pickup being 11AM Saturday. Full story here https://t.co/sYkz8ydEqH @KATUNews pic.twitter.com/a8vw0QXXoY
— Evan Bell (@evanbellKATU) October 28, 2024
ABC News reported that similar markings, including “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine,” appeared on devices used in past incidents on October 8 and in Monday’s attacks in Vancouver, Washington. However, authorities remain uncertain if the markings signal a genuine political message or if they were intended to mislead.
The investigation into these arson incidents, which potentially compromise election security, continues as officials aim to uncover the motivation behind the attacks and assess the full impact on voters’ ballots.