At least five Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut were targeted by bomb threats at their residences on Thursday, according to reports from the lawmakers or their offices.
Senator Chris Murphy, along with Representatives Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, and Jahana Hayes, all confirmed they had received such threats. Authorities who responded to the incidents found no evidence of explosives at any of the properties.
It remains unclear whether Representative Rosa DeLauro, the fifth Democratic House member from the state, or Connecticut’s other Democratic senator were also targeted. These threats against the state’s Democratic delegation came one day after several of President-elect Donald Trump’s top Cabinet nominees and appointees revealed they too had been victims of bomb threats, as well as “swatting” incidents—false reports made to prompt emergency police responses.
Murphy’s office reported that his Hartford residence was specifically threatened, with the incident believed to be part of a larger coordinated effort against multiple public figures and lawmakers. Both Hartford Police and US Capitol Police confirmed there was no danger.
Hayes, meanwhile, was notified by the Wolcott Police Department early Thursday that it had received an email threatening a pipe bomb placed in her mailbox. State police, US Capitol Police, and the House sergeant at arms were all alerted, and a thorough search by local and state authorities found no explosives or hazardous materials.
Courtney’s home in Vernon was also targeted, with the threat made while his family was present, his office said. Himes learned of the threat against his home while celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. He praised local law enforcement for their swift response, adding, “There is no place for political violence in this country.” Larson’s office confirmed that East Hartford Police responded to a bomb threat at his residence.
These threats follow a turbulent election period marked by violence, including a shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania in July, and a thwarted assassination attempt in Florida. Among those receiving similar threats on Wednesday were Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, Trump’s nominee for UN ambassador, as well as Trump’s picks for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, and Department of Labor head, Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Frances Ibiefo
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