More than a dozen local elections offices in Maryland were targeted with bomb threats on Friday night, drawing strong condemnation from Governor Wes Moore and State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis. The threats were emailed to 15 offices, prompting evacuations and law enforcement sweeps. Fortunately, ballot counting was not disrupted, and canvassing resumed the next day and continues through the week. The FBI is investigating the threats, which appear to have come from an overseas source.
Similar threats were also reported in California counties on the same day, with officials in Orange County and Riverside County finding no explosives after searches. Threats on Election Day in several states were attributed to Russian email domains, according to the FBI. DeMarinis stated that he had not yet spoken with counterparts in other states about the threats, as the focus is on completing the canvasses.
Governor Moore emphasized that threats against election officials have no place in the state or democracy. The coordinated threats targeting multiple local offices have raised concerns about the security of the election process. While the intent behind the threats remains unclear, the authorities are taking them seriously and working to ensure the safety of all involved in the electoral process. As investigations continue, officials are committed to upholding the integrity of the election and ensuring the safety of those involved in the ballot counting and canvassing process.
Source
Photo credit www.thebaltimorebanner.com