Investigation Ongoing As Threats Of Political Violence Mount In Montco

WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, PA — Authorities in Pennsylvania are continuing to investigate a bomb threat that shut down the Montgomery County GOP headquarters over the weekend, the latest in a string of escalating threats of politically charged violence in the local area.

No arrests have yet been made.

Pennsylvania State Police said they are working with the Whitpain Township police department and Montgomery County Detectives on the investigation.

"There is no place for violence or threats of violence against any political group or voter," state police said in a statement issued Sunday. "We are committed to working with the (Pennsylvania Department of State) to ensure the 2024 elections are safe, secure, and fair."

The threat also led some other GOP offices in the local area, including Upper Providence Township, to shutter their offices Monday out of an abundance of caution.

The bomb threat was called into the Montgomery County committee's office at 11:07 a.m. Saturday, in an "angry, profanity-laced" call, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania said.

The letter, signed from a "patriotic citizen and true American," spoke of "consequences" for supporters of former President Trump. "You tread on me at your peril, mother (expletive)," it concluded.

See previous coverage: Bomb Threat Closes Montgomery County GOP Headquarters

The Pennsylvania GOP said they had also recently received death threats in Erie County, and a break-in from a threatening and physically violent man at the Delaware County headquarters.

Both Democrat and Republican officials blame each other for escalating rhetoric and grandiloquent, radicalizing vitriol. And violence and threats of violence have impacted both parties in Montgomery County.

Just weeks ago, a former Montco GOP leader who had declared support for Kamala Harris was "swatted" following his public declaration against Trump. Armed officers swarmed the man's home in Upper Merion after midnight, detaining him and holding him until they realized the emergency calls had been faked.

And it was just a few years ago that a man fired gunshots into the Montgomery County Democratic Committee's offices in Norristown, saying later "With this stolen election and Coup d'etat, violence is the only language you bloodsuckers understand."

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said that they have mobilized a team of attorneys and detectives to investigate election issues and potential interference. All tips, and potential threats will be undertaken by the newly created Threat Assessment Management Unit. The tip line number is 610-292-2024.