Bomb Threats Target Several Democrat Congress Members on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day was marred by a wave of bomb threats targeting members of Congress and several of President-elect Donald Trump’s appointees. Lawmakers from Connecticut, including Reps. Joe Courtney, Jahana Hayes, Jim Himes, and John Larson, as well as prominent Republican officials, reported receiving threats that mobilized law enforcement across the country.

The four Connecticut Democratic lawmakers each issued statements detailing the threats against their homes. Thanks to swift responses from local, state, and federal authorities, no explosive devices were found, and all families were declared safe.

Rep. Jahana Hayes revealed that her home was targeted by an email threat alleging a pipe bomb in her mailbox. Hayes commended law enforcement for their professionalism, emphasizing, “There is no place in our country for political violence.”

Similarly, Reps. Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, and John Larson expressed gratitude to law enforcement for securing their safety and condemned the rise in politically motivated intimidation.

The bomb threats were not limited to Democratic lawmakers. Several of Trump’s nominees and appointees also faced similar threats.

• Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Trump’s pick for U.N. ambassador, received a bomb threat while traveling home with her family.

• Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), nominated to lead the EPA, reported a pipe bomb threat linked to a pro-Palestinian message.

• Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for agriculture secretary, faced a threat against her home in Texas.

• Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Trump’s labor secretary nominee, dealt with a pipe bomb threat at her Oregon residence.

• Scott Turner, nominated to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development, received threats on the eve of Thanksgiving.

Other prominent Trump appointees, including Pete Hegseth (defense secretary nominee), John Ratcliffe (CIA director nominee), and Howard Lutnick (commerce secretary nominee), were also targeted. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Trump’s initial pick for attorney general before withdrawing from consideration, reported a pipe bomb threat at his Florida residence.

These coordinated threats against elected officials and Trump’s incoming administration signal a dangerous escalation in politically motivated violence. While law enforcement acted swiftly to prevent harm, the sheer number of incidents highlights a troubling climate of hostility.

President-elect Trump’s transition team issued a statement condemning the threats as “violent, unAmerican acts” that would not deter their mission. Trump himself, known for his tough stance on law and order, has vowed to prioritize the safety of public officials and citizens alike during his administration.

Both Democratic and Republican officials urged a return to civility, with many emphasizing gratitude for law enforcement during this turbulent holiday season. As Thanksgiving draws to a close, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead and the urgent need to combat politically driven violence.

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