FBI offers $25K reward for information on Washington and Oregon ballot box fires

The FBI on Wednesday announced a $25,000 reward for information regarding the ballot box fires that occurred in Oregon and Washington last month.

The FBI launched its own "separate but parallel investigation" into three fires that broke out in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. The fires occurred approximately two hours apart, and evidence gathered from both blazes suggested the incidents to be connected. A separate but related fire occurred in Vancouver, Washington, on Oct. 8.

The bureau on Wednesday said it was seeking information on a suspect in the fires, who the FBI described as a white man, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with thinning hair. The vehicle in video footage of the Portland fire was described as a dark 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan. The vehicle does not have a Volvo logo in front of it, per ABC News.

"At the time of the October 28, 2024, incidents, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle," the FBI said.

The suspect could also have some experience with metal work and welding, the bureau said.

Video footage of the incident saw the driver appear to light an incendiary device that they proceeded to drop in the ballot box, which began smoking and spark briefly. However, fire suppressants prevented serious damage. The incendiary devices are believed to have been inscribed with "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine."

The incidents occurred after the intelligence community warned Americans in July about the threats of explosive or incendiary devices being dropped in ballot boxes this November.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.