‘Free Gaza’ messages found on devices near burned ballot boxes, the New York Times reports

Researchers found devices with pro-Palestinian messages near all three ballot boxes that were set on fire this month in Vancouver and Portland, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The FBI is investigating three separate but connected incidents, including one Monday at the Fisher’s Landing transit center that resulted in hundreds of destroyed ballots in a Clark County precinct with a nationally important congressional race.

A Monday fire at a polling place in Portland’s Multnomah County was automatically extinguished, destroying three ballots. A ballot box near West 13th and Esther Streets, in Vancouver, was the target of an incendiary weapon three weeks ago, but no ballots have been destroyed.

Two law enforcement officials told The New York Times that investigators found devices bearing the words “Free Gaza” in both arson incidents on Monday. The words “Free Palestine” appeared on a device found at the polls three weeks earlier that had been set on fire, the newspaper reported. Officials do not know whether the suspect is actually a pro-Palestinian activist, the newspaper reported.

The information was attributed to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the newspaper said.

Portland Police spokesman Mike Benner said the incendiary device found in the Portland ballot box “has been sent for forensic analysis.”

“As part of that analysis, the device will be examined for unique features and markings,” Benner wrote in an emailed response to questions. He would not confirm the newspaper report.

Police are looking for a 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 that they believe is linked to the three incidents. The agency has not yet determined a motive, Benner said.

— Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and business reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at [email protected].

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