Devices used in ballot box fires had 'Free Gaza' messages

Ballot box fires in Oregon and Washington were linked to devices that had the message “Free Gaza” marked on them, The Associated Press (AP) is reporting, citing an anonymous police source.

Officials discovered another incendiary device placed on a third box in Vancouver, Wash., with the words “Free Palestine” and “Free Gaza” earlier this month, the AP reported.

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies have teamed up to investigate the incidents and whoever is responsible. Authorities are investigating whether the person behind the incidents has pro-Palestinian or anti-Israeli views, or if those messages were put on the devices as some sort of disguise or misdirection.

Security footage captured a Volvo driving off from the site in Portland early in the morning before one of the fires started, according to police spokesperson Mike Benner. He told The Hill the device used has been “collected and sent off for forensic analysis” in a Wednesday statement.

The Portland fire was quickly put out by an internal fire suppressant inside the ballot box. However, hundreds of ballots were destroyed in Vancouver despite the local drop box's similar fire-suppressant features.

Clark County, Wash., auditor Greg Kimsey has asked voters to check their ballot status at www.votewa.gov. If a ballot is not marked as received, voters are asked to submit a replacement.