Recently, devices used to ignite ballot boxes in the Pacific Northwest bore pro-Palestinian messages, according to various reports.

The New York Times and ABC News reported, based on anonymous sources, that a message stating “Free Gaza” was discovered on the devices involved in Monday’s incidents, which occurred just 15 miles apart in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

These arsons took place less than a week prior to the upcoming presidential election on November 5.

This event followed a similar occurrence on October 8, when smoke was detected near a ballot drop box and a suspicious device was found close by, as stated by Vancouver officials in a press release.

The phrases “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine” also appeared on the device located near the Vancouver ballot box during the October 8 incident, according to reports from both The Times and ABC.

It remains unclear whether the individual responsible identified as a pro-Palestinian activist or if the fires were intended to sow confusion ahead of the election, according to the sources.

YSL News contacted various agencies looking into the arson cases on Wednesday, including the FBI, the Portland Police Department, and the City of Vancouver Police Department.

The FBI confirmed they are collaborating with authorities in the Pacific Northwest to find suspects.

As of now, the motive remains unknown.

Details on the ballot box arson incidents

In Oregon, Portland police received reports of a fire at a ballot box in the Buckman neighborhood around 3:30 a.m. on Monday. Approximately 30 minutes later, Vancouver police were called to a similar fire at a ballot box located less than 15 miles to the north.

Later that day, the Portland police published two photographs of a vehicle believed to be linked to both incidents. The vehicle was described as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60, missing a front license plate with an unknown rear license plate.

The FBI stated to YSL News that it is “working closely with federal, state, and local partners” to investigate the arsons. They refrained from commenting on whether these incidents would be classified as domestic terrorism.

This series of events has heightened security concerns as the election date approaches.

Officials reported that the fire in Vancouver led to hundreds of ballots being burned, while damage in Portland was less severe.