US Dem Reps from CT targeted with bomb threats on Thanksgiving

On Thursday, several Congressional Democratic lawmakers from the state of Connecticut received bomb threats at their homes while preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. The incidents appear to be the result of a concerted effort by an unidentified suspect. Police said no bombs or "explosive materials" were recovered. Earlier this week, President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees faced similar bomb and swatting threats.

The FBI stated that it is "working with our state and local partners on these matters," but did not provide further information about the cases, NBC News reported.

In written statements, Democratic Reps. Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, Jahana Hays, and Rosa DeLauro disclosed they had been targeted. The office of Sen. Chris Murphy, also a Democrat, said the legislator received similar threats. The threats included emails sent to local police agencies saying that pipe bombs had been placed at the lawmakers' homes.

"On Thanksgiving, Senator Murphy's home in Hartford was the target of a bomb threat, which appears to be a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures," a spokesperson said in a statement.

Rep. Hayes wrote on X that authorities contacted her Thursday morning that "they received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox and my home." She said state and local police did not recover any "explosive materials" at the scene. "At this time the investigation is ongoing," she explained. "I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence."

Likewise, Rep. Himes shared Hayes' sentiments regarding political violence, saying in a statement that he hopes "that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility," and commended law officials for their reaction. Himes stated that he was notified by police Thursday morning about a bomb threat against his home, but officers discovered "no evidence."

Reps. Courtney and DeLauro also disclosed in statements that they had received bomb threats and expressed their gratitude to law enforcement for their diligence. A spokesperson for Courtney's office stated that the lawmaker's family is "extremely grateful to the law enforcement officers, whose response should serve as a warning to the perpetrators that these types of threats will not be tolerated." DeLauro expressed comparable views on X.

Congressman Larson wrote about the matter and said he was "grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe."

Connecticut State Police and local police agencies have partnered with the FBI to investigate the crimes. Capitol Police said they investigated more than 8,000 threats against members of Congress last year.