Additional Coverage:
- ‘Explosive device’ thrown from car near Pennsylvania polling place after bomb threat (themirror.com)
An explosive device was reportedly thrown from a vehicle near a polling station in Catasauqua, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The incident occurred close to the Salem United Church of Christ, which served as a polling place during the state’s primary elections.
Trooper Nathan Banosky confirmed during a news briefing that a “sort of explosion” took place near a vehicle in the area but emphasized that no injuries were reported and there was no ongoing threat to the public. Following the event, state police were observed entering a residence nearby as part of their investigation.
Emergency crews responded promptly after dispatchers were alerted around 9:12 a.m. to the 600 block of 3rd Street. Police established a perimeter with tape, and canine, police, and fire units were deployed to the scene. The Catasauqua Fire Department District 2 advised voters assigned to Salem UCC to use the 4th Street entrance instead.
Authorities confirmed that all polling locations, including Salem UCC, remained open and encouraged voters to continue exercising their right to vote. Streets surrounding the incident have been temporarily closed, including 3rd Street from Pine to Chapel and Walnut Street from Crane to Limestone. Funeral attendees at Brubaker’s Funeral Home are advised to access the location via 3rd Street from Chapel Street.
The primary election holds significant weight in Pennsylvania, with Democratic voters selecting nominees to challenge four key Republican-held congressional districts. These seats are critical battlegrounds for the party’s effort to regain control of the U.S.
House. Currently, Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the House, and the districts in question are seen as top opportunities for Democrats to make gains.
In Pennsylvania, U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (1st District), Ryan Mackenzie (7th District), Rob Bresnahan (8th District), and Scott Perry (10th District) are running unopposed in their Republican primaries. The districts have shown varied political leanings in recent elections, with former Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly carrying the 1st District in 2024, while President Donald Trump won more decisively in the others.
In addition to congressional primaries, voters are selecting candidates for lieutenant governor and the state legislature. Half of the Pennsylvania State Senate seats and all State House seats are up for election this November. Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the State House, while Republicans control the Senate.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who is seeking a second term, faces no primary opposition and has actively endorsed several Democratic candidates for Congress, including Bob Harvie, Bob Brooks, Janelle Stelson, and Paige Cognetti. His GOP challenger in the general election will be state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, also unopposed in her primary.
As investigations continue into the explosive device incident, state and local officials remain committed to ensuring voter safety and the smooth conduct of the primary election.