Connecticut’s Congress members targeted with bomb threats on Thanksgiving

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Most of Connecticut’s congressional delegation and two from neighboring states said they were the subject of bomb threats Thursday at their homes as they were preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, although no bombs ultimately were found.

Connecticut Democratic Reps. Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, Joe Courtney, John Larson and Rosa DeLauro announced in written statements that they had been targeted. So too did Reps. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Seth Magazine of Rhode Island.

The office of Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., confirmed to NBC News that he too was a target, as well. CBS’ local affiliate reported earlier Thursday that Murphy received the threat.

Authorities say they are tracking a wave of threats against lawmakers that began earlier this week.

“We’re working that hard with the FBI,” President Joe Biden told reporters with him in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he is celebrating Thanksgiving with his family.

A spokesperson for Murphy said the threat on the senator’s Hartford home “appears to be part of a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures.”

The U.S. Capitol Police, which is charged with protecting lawmakers, is working the case, a spokesperson said, but would not reveal more information about potential suspects or motives.

“Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a ‘swatting’ incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners,” said Brianna Burch, a spokesperson for the agency. “To protect ongoing investigations and to minimize the risk of copy-cats, we cannot provide more details at this time.”

Larson also alluded to the threats, saying in a statement that he was “grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe.”

Hayes said on X that the police notified her Thursday morning that “they received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at my home.” Local and state police did not find bombs or “explosive materials,” Hayes said.

“At this time the investigation is ongoing,” she continued. “I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence.”

Similarly, Himes said in a statement on X that he was notified Thursday morning about a bomb threat targeting his … Read More