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Multiple U.S. reps targeted in Thanksgiving bomb threats

Courtney was home celebrating with his family for the holiday and Hayes said Wolcott police notified her of a threatening email stating explosives in her mailbox.
Credit: FOX61
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2nd District)

VERNON, Connecticut — Multiple U.S. congresspeople for the state of Connecticut were targeted in Thanksgiving Day bomb threats to their homes.

According to a spokesperson from his office, U.S Rep. Joe Courtney and his family are safe after an early morning threat to his Connecticut home.

They said his home was targeted in the reported bomb threat while he and his family were there celebrating Thanksgiving. 

"Thanks to the swift and professional response of Vernon Police Chief Marc Petruzzi and Lieutenant Robert Marra, the United States Capitol Police, and the bomb squad, the Courtneys are safe, and there was no evidence found of a bomb on their property. Joe and Audrey extend their utmost gratitude to the law enforcement officers, whose response should signal to perpetrators that these types of threats will not be tolerated," Courtney's spokesperson said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes also issued a statement, stating she, too, was targeted in a bomb threat. 

In a statement, Hates said she was notified just before 8 a.m. by Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens that they had received a "threatening email" stating that a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at her home. 

According to Hayes, the state and U.S. Capitol police and the Sergeant at Arms were immediately notified. No bomb or explosive materials were found, and the scene was cleared, and an investigation was ongoing.

"I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter; their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence. On this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my family and loved ones. I plan to spend the day with them and hope you all do the same. May you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving," Hayes said in her statement.

Rep. John Larson also received a bomb threat, according to his office.

“Early this morning, East Hartford Police came to my home in response to a bomb threat. The police determined no bomb was present at the property and the Larson family is safe,” he said in a statement. “I would like to thank the East Hartford Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring the safety of my family. I am grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe. Thanks again to law enforcement at every level, from local, to state, to federal.” 

Earlier this week, officials said a number of appointees for the incoming Trump administration were targets of bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. 

 The FBI said it was investigating.

Doug Stewart is the Digital Executive Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.

 

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