On election day, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are still looking for the suspect who set three official ballot boxes on fire in Portland and Vancouver.
The arson attacks made national news as examples of political violence, especially after the New York Times reported that “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine” were written on the incendiary devices attached to the boxes. Investigators said they do not know if the arsons were intended to send a pro-Palestine message or sow political division, however.
The fires destroyed hundreds of ballots in Vancouver that needed to be replaced but only damaged three in Portland. The Multnomah County ballot boxes contain fire suppression system, which protected the ballots.
During an Oct. 30 press conference, Portland police described the suspect as a 30- to 40-year-old thin-faced white man, who is bald or has very short hair, and a thin to medium build.
The Portland Police Bureau has also released two surveillance camera pictures of a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 sedan suspected of being connected to the attacks. The vehicle does not have a front license plate, but it has a rear plate that cannot be read in the photo where it is seen. The car has a standard shiny finish, light or tan interior coloring and a distinctive aftermarket grille missing the Volvo emblem, police said.