FBI releases explosive video of Portland ballot box arson, offers $25K for suspect info
The FBI has released new footage of the notorious Oregon ballot box arson that caused widespread uproar across the nation and is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification of the suspect associated with this crime and the incendiary fire at a Vancouver ballot box that destroyed hundreds of ballots.
On Oct. 8, between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., an improvised incendiary device was placed on a ballot drop box in Vancouver, Washington. It damaged the exterior of the box.
Later, on Oct. 28, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., similar devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in both Vancouver and Portland. The Vancouver device exploded and destroyed hundreds of ballots, while the Portland arson only damaged a few.
Election ballot interference can be prosecuted as a federal felony crime.
Surveillance footage captured images of a dark-colored early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect. The vehicle lacks a Volvo logo on the front grill and, during the Oct. 28 incidents, displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear, with no front plate.
The plate, not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle.
"The rear license plate was determined to be fraudulent, so license plate-related technologies are of little utility, but we are employing the full suite of technology and investigative techniques at the FBI's disposal," FBI Seattle Acting Special Agent Greg Austin told KATU.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with thinning hair. Authorities believe he may have experience with metal work and welding.
"I think in this case, it really underscores the seriousness that the FBI in Seattle and Portland offices are treating this investigation," Austin told KATU's sister station, KOMO, in Seattle.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the FBI's toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at .
"This case represents really an attack on the two fundamental ideals that the FBI protects, which is protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution. Those three ballot box attacks were an attack against both of those," Austin said.
