The Portland, Oregon Police Bureau released photos of a suspect’s car after ballot boxes were set on fire in Oregon and Washington State. The incidents come just before the Nov. 5 election, with a ballot box in southeast Portland and one in Vancouver, Washington being burned. The Washington State Democratic Party called it an attempt to disenfranchise voters. Police suspect intentional targeting to impact the election process. The incendiary device was found attached to the side of the Portland ballot box, while a suspicious device was found next to the burning Vancouver box. The FBI is investigating and the Department of Homeland Security has warned of threats posed by domestic violent extremists in relation to the elections. The department highlighted the possibility of attacks on ballot boxes in their recent Homeland Threat Assessment, indicating a potential threat to government officials, voters, election infrastructure, and campaign events. They also cautioned about potential violence from extremists if their preferred candidate loses. Law enforcement officials and election offices are advised to be vigilant against threats like hoax bomb threats, swatting, doxxing, and mailing letters with white powder to disrupt operations and instill fear.
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