Police announced the description of the suspect in the ballot box burning incident

Manhunt to capture a suspect Arson fires targeting ballot boxes Shootings in the Pacific Northwest continued Thursday as details emerged about a suspect and a possible motive amid concerns that more canisters would be burned.

In Oregon, Portland Police Department spokesman Mike Benner said the suspect was believed to have “a wealth of experience in metal fabrication and welding.” Speaking at a briefing Wednesday, Benner described him as a white male in his 30s to 40s, with short hair or balding, of slim to medium build and a thin face.

“It is very likely that the suspect intends to continue targeted attacks in the area,” Benner warned.

Portland police say they responded fire reports At a polling place in the Buckman neighborhood around 3:30 Monday morning. Police in neighboring Vancouver, Washington, responded to arson at a ballot box about 30 minutes later.

Police later released two photos of a vehicle that investigators believe is linked to both fires. Authorities were looking for a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 with no front license plate and an unknown rear license plate.

Developments:

∎ Portland Police Chief Robert Day warned that similar attacks could occur despite the increased security measures at the polls: “It would be really naive or unfair for us to say ‘Hey, this is settled’ when we don’t have authority in this matter.” in custody.”

∎ Crimes Stoppers of Oregon is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

in Clark County, Washington officials said on wednesday He said the malfunction of the fire extinguishing system in the ballot box caused damage to at least 488 ballots. Replacement ballot papers were being sent to voters. Election personnel were unable to identify six ballots; Other ballot papers may have been burned to ashes and may not be identified.

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said officials have changed election hours and increased security at the polls.

“I appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we work through this unprecedented incident,” Kimsey said. “We took action that I hope will increase voters’ confidence in using the ballot box in the county.”

In Oregon, Multnomah County elections official Tim Scott said a fire suppression system limited damage to three ballot drop boxes and those voters were contacted.

Vancouver police say Monday’s arson was a similar incident At the ballot box there on October 8. That device did not explode. In both states, voting is done almost entirely through mail and drop boxes.

The FBI said it was coordinating with federal, state and local agencies to investigate the attacks. The FBI declined to comment on whether the arsons would be investigated as domestic terrorism.

pro-palestine According to reports, messages were found on the devices that set the boxes on fire. New York Times And ABC NewsIt was reported that the news, based on unnamed sources, included a message saying “Gaza is free”. Devices used in Monday’s arson attacks were revealedIt took place 15 miles apart in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

Benner and Day refused to answer questions about the cause of the fires or the writings on the boxes.

According to the Times and ABC, the device found in Vancouver on October 8 also contained messages saying “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine”. According to the news based on anonymous sources, it is not yet known whether the suspect is a pro-Palestinian activist or whether the fires are an attempt to create confusion before the election.

Contributed by: Natalie Neysa Alund and James Powel

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