Bomb Threats Made Against MD Boards Of Elections Came From Overseas: Report

MARYLAND — Bomb threats were made Friday night against multiple board of elections offices that were counting ballots in Maryland. None of the threats were credible, authorities said, and the ongoing ballot count continued afterward.

Citing the Maryland State Board of Elections, WBAL reported that Maryland was one of at least three states hit by the "apparent coordinated, overseas attack via emailed bomb threats."

Fifteen jurisdictions have been threatened so far, WBAL said, noting that election offices in Baltimore City, Harford County, Montgomery County and Prince George's County were among those targeted.

"I have ZERO tolerance for threats against our elections officials," State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis said Friday evening on X, formerly Twitter. "This madness must stop. We are working with law enforcement and federal partners on these latest incidents. NOTHING will deter us from our mission. It is unacceptable."

The Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County boards of elections both confirmed they were targeted.

The Baltimore Sun reported that Howard County's election workers also evacuated after learning of the other threats. Howard County officials told The Sun that police searched the area with a dog then gave the all-clear.

The Sun said the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections received a threatening email at 7:14 p.m. Friday with the subject line "Listen up."

"I've planted a bomb (lead azide) in your office at 6740 Baymeadow Drive," said the email reviewed by The Baltimore Sun. "It is small and hidden very well. ... It probably won't damage the building very much, but it will wound lots of people when it explodes. I plan on remotely triggering the device's detonation as soon as there is a large police presence."

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said its offices didn't find any bombs.

"Our Department is actively investigating a series of bomb threats targeting election offices nationwide, including our local Board of Elections. We are working closely with federal partners, such as the FBI, to share information and coordinate efforts," AACoPD spokesperson Justin Mulcahy told Patch in a Monday email. "We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to respond to any threats to our election infrastructure and to protect our communities. As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate."

The Baltimore County Police Department announced its investigation Friday at 10:33 p.m., noting that the threat was sent via email.

"Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined that the threat was unfounded, and there is no danger to the public," Baltimore County police said on X at 11:56 p.m. Friday.

Baltimore County Board of Elections Director Ruie LaVoie said "Officials swiftly verified it was a hoax and cleared our building."

"It is believed it was sent to disrupt our election certification process. Our building was cleared the same night and we continued canvassing ballots on schedule," LaVoie told Patch in a Monday email. "My number one priority is the health and safety of my team, our election judges (poll workers) and voters. I will continue to be as proactive as possible to ensure everyone's safety."

Gov. Wes Moore said his office worked closely with law enforcement and election officials throughout the response.

"I would like to thank the first responders working to ensure the safety of our election officials and our communities," Moore said late Friday night on X. "It is imperative that we continue to provide a safe space for those overseeing our election processes as we finish counting every ballot. Threats like this have no place in our state or in our democracy, and we will work to hold those involved accountable."

Workers are still tallying provisional and mail-in ballots, the latter of which had to be postmarked or placed in a dropbox by Election Day at 8 p.m. The official and final election results are scheduled to be certified on Friday, Nov. 15.

"Safety is top concern — but we WILL resume canvassing tomorrow," DeMarinis said Friday on X. "Cowardly threats whether from abroad or not shall not deter us. You have failed. Our democracy is strong, our staff is strong, our mission will be accomplished. Every vote counts, count every vote."