Several Democratic lawmakers in Connecticut were the targets of bomb threats at their homes on Thanksgiving Day, prompting swift responses from local and federal law enforcement agencies. The incidents involved multiple members of Congress and appeared to be part of a coordinated campaign of intimidation.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, was one of the first to report a bomb threat on Thursday. Himes said he was notified that a bomb had been allegedly placed at his residence in Greenwich. Local police, along with U.S. Capitol Police, responded immediately. After a thorough search of the property, no explosive device was found.
“I’m relieved that no bomb was discovered, and I want to thank the Capitol Police, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Stamford Police Department for their quick and thorough response to ensure our safety,” Himes said in a statement. “There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope we can all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility.”
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) also confirmed that a bomb threat was made against his home in East Hartford. Larson’s family was unharmed, and law enforcement quickly ruled out the presence of any explosives. He expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the East Hartford Police Department, stating, “Thanks to their swift and professional response, my family and I are safe.”
The East Hartford Police Department confirmed to The Hill that officers responded to a threat found in the mailbox, but after a thorough investigation, no suspicious items or devices were discovered.
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) was similarly targeted, receiving a threatening email claiming that a pipe bomb had been placed in her Wolcott home’s mailbox. State police and local law enforcement immediately responded to the threat, conducting a search of her property. No explosives were found, and the investigation is ongoing.
“The swift response by local authorities, state police, and U.S. Capitol Police is a testament to the commitment of our law enforcement to ensuring the safety of all citizens,” Hayes said in a statement. “There is no place for political violence in this country, and I am grateful for the professionalism and dedication of those who responded.”
Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) was also targeted by a bomb threat on Thursday morning. His office confirmed that U.S. Capitol Police and local authorities responded to the threat, and no bomb was found. Courtney’s spokesperson expressed appreciation for the law enforcement agencies involved, saying their actions send a clear message that threats of this nature will not be tolerated.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) confirmed that his Hartford home was also the target of a bomb threat. His office issued a statement noting that the threat appeared to be part of a larger, coordinated effort targeting several public figures. “I’m grateful to the Hartford Police and U.S. Capitol Police for their swift response in determining that there was no real threat,” Murphy said. “I appreciate the work of local and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of my family and the community.”
These bomb threats come on the heels of similar threats targeting several prominent Republican lawmakers earlier this week, including Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) and Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Ore.), both of whom were tapped by President-elect Donald Trump for prominent roles in his incoming administration.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the Thanksgiving Day incidents, and a White House spokesperson confirmed that the FBI is investigating. The FBI has stated that it is aware of “numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees” and is coordinating with local and federal law enforcement agencies to address the situation.
These disturbing threats underscore the growing concerns over political violence and intimidation in the U.S. as tensions continue to run high in the lead-up to the new administration. Both parties have condemned the threats, stressing the importance of maintaining civility and respect in public discourse.
