PROVIDENCE, RI — The FBI is investigating two Rhode Island Congressmen bomb threats over the Thanksgiving weekend after Rep. Seth Magaziner and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse were among several New England Democratic Congressmen reporting similar threats.
Providence Police and Newport Police responded to the respective Congressman’s homes, finding no evidence of credible threats.
“I was recently notified of a bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home. We are safe and there was no evidence of a bomb on the property. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Providence Police Department for their effective response,” Magaziner said in a statement about the threat against his family.
Providence Police did not elaborate on their response to the threat on social media accounts, and an message inquiring about the threat Friday was not immediately returned. WPRI 12 also reported a similar threat to the home of RI Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, which was similarly determined not to be credible.
RI Congressmen Bomb Threats Among Several Democrat Congress Members Threatened
The threats follow similar bomb threats against Congressional Democrat representatives in neighboring Connecticut, most of the state’s Congressional delegation, and in Massachusetts, against Representative Seth Moulton, according to an NBC report. The FBI and Capitol Police are investigating the threats, none of which found evidence of bombs, according to the report.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries reported the attacks targeted several Democratic members of Congress, their families and law enforcement officials. The incidents ranged from detailed threats of a pipe bomb placed in mailboxes to swatting, all signed with “MAGA” at the conclusion of the message.
“America is a democracy. Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society. All perpetrators of political violence directed at any party must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Jeffries said a statement.
“House Democrats will not be deterred or intimidated from serving the people by violent threats. We have been in close communication with the Sergeant at Arms office and it is imperative that Congress provide maximum protection for all Members and their families moving forward.”
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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