SEATTLE — Federal authorities are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in a series of arson incidents targeting ballot boxes in Washington and Oregon last month, the FBI announced Wednesday.
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The first arson occurred on October 8 in Vancouver, Washington, where a ballot box was set ablaze between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. On October 28, similar incidents took place in both Vancouver and Portland, Oregon, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Hundreds of ballots were damaged in Vancouver after a fire suppression device malfunctioned.
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In all three incidents, an “improvised incendiary device” was used, according to the FBI. Surveillance footage from the Portland incident shows a suspect in a dark-colored 2003-2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, with dark wheels and a light interior, approaching a ballot box, igniting an object, and throwing it at the box. The vehicle was reportedly displaying a fake temporary Washington license plate.
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The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with thinning hair. Authorities believe he may have experience in metalwork or welding.
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Investigators noted that devices used in the incidents displayed phrases such as “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” It’s unclear if these markings reflect the suspect’s beliefs or are intended to exploit existing tensions.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI, as the investigation remains ongoing.