Several Democratic lawmakers in Connecticut were targeted by bomb threats on Thanksgiving, though no credible threats have been confirmed, according to statements from the lawmakers.
Representatives Joe Courtney, Jahana Hayes, Jim Himes, John Larson, Rosa DeLauro, and Senator Chris Murphy were all affected by the threats, which occurred on Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed that no explosives were found at any of the lawmakers’ homes.
Rep. Hayes revealed that she was notified by police at 7:47 a.m. about a threatening email alleging a pipe bomb was placed in her mailbox. She condemned the act, saying, “There is no place in our country for political violence.”
Rep. Joe Courtney received the threat while at home with his family. “Early this morning, my home was targeted with a bomb threat while my family and I were celebrating Thanksgiving,” Courtney said. “No evidence of a bomb was found at our home. My wife Audrey and I extend our utmost gratitude to the law enforcement officers whose swift actions should send a clear message that such threats will not be tolerated.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro also confirmed receiving a threat. “Today, I received a bomb threat similar to my colleagues in the Connecticut congressional delegation,” DeLauro said. “The New Haven Police Department’s bomb squad has responded and determined no bomb was present at our home.”
Rep. Jim Himes and Rep. John Larson also reported similar threats, though no explosives were found at their residences either.
A spokesperson for Senator Chris Murphy stated that the threats seemed to be part of a coordinated effort targeting multiple lawmakers and public figures.
In addition to the Connecticut threats, several individuals connected to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration have also been targeted. The FBI has acknowledged awareness of “numerous bomb threats” and “swatting incidents,” in which fake calls are made to provoke a police response.
At least nine of Trump’s cabinet nominees, including those for the Departments of Defense, Housing, Agriculture, and Labor, along with his pick for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, were among those targeted. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.