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Tuesday, December 03, 2024
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Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut report bomb threats against their homes

publish time

30/11/2024

publish time

30/11/2024

CTNOR901
Democratic incumbent US Rep Joe Courtney speaks during the 2nd Congressional debate at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Conn on Oct 21. (AP)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla, Nov 30, (AP): Six Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut were targeted by bomb threats on their homes Thursday, the lawmakers or their offices said. Sen Chris Murphy and all five House members - Reps Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, Jahana Hayes and Rosa DeLauro - reported being the subject of such threats.

Police who responded said they found no evidence of explosives on the lawmakers' properties. Democratic Sen Richard Blumenthal told reporters Friday he did not receive a bomb threat on Thursday but was targeted as recently as a couple weeks ago, adding of such threats, "Unfortunately, very regrettably, they are part of our life.”

The bomb threats against Democrats happened a day after a number of President-elect Donald Trump ’s most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees reported that they had received such threats, as well as "swatting attacks," in which perpetrators initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a victim under false pretenses. Murphy's office said his Hartford home was the target of a bomb threat, "which appears to be part of a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures.”

Hartford Police and US Capitol Police determined there was no threat. DeLauro said in a Thursday evening post on X that the New Haven Police Department's bomb squad responded to the threat and "determined no bomb was present at our home. I am thankful for their swift response & relieved no one was harmed.”

Hayes said the Wolcott Police Department informed her Thursday morning that it had received "a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at my home.” State police, US Capitol Police, and the House sergeant at arms were notified, Wolcott and state police responded "and no bomb or explosive materials were discovered.”

Courtney's Vernon home received a bomb threat while his wife and children were there, his office said. Himes said he was told of the threat against his home during a Thanksgiving celebration with his family. The US Capitol Police, and Greenwich and Stamford police departments responded. Hines extended his family's "utmost gratitude to our local law enforcement officers for their immediate action to ensure our safety.”