Elections are the subject of e-mailed bomb threats
by Karin L Nauber
A news release from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State was received with the ominous news that well over half of the counties in Minnesota had received e-mailed bomb threats since Friday, November 8. Both Todd and Wadena counties received the threatening e-mail.
In the statement from Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, “These threats have been reported to the office by county, state, and federal partners. Affected counties are responding in accordance with local policies and procedures.”
Simon added, “Threats of violence against election workers, aimed at disrupting our democracy, are absolutely unacceptable. Although Election Day is over, election officials across the state are continuing their work to verify that the election was free, fair, accurate, and secure. Over the next few weeks, counties will be canvassing the election, certifying election results, and conducting post-election reviews.
“Our office is coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to respond and ensure that our election officials can complete this important work and that those responsible for these threats are held accountable,” concluded Simon.
Wadena County Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson said, “We did receive the threat in the evening on Friday [November 8]. After I received the threat, law enforcement was contacted immediately. Sheriff Mike Carr, along with his staff, assessed and handled the situation in a timely fashion to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Olson continued, “Threats against my staff and the county that are aimed to disrupt the election process is unnecessary. I thank Mike Carr and the sheriff’s department on working quickly and efficiently on the situation.”
Todd County Auditor/Treasurer Denise Gaida said that Todd County also received the threatening e-mail but because it is an ongoing investigation she was unable to speak about what was in the actual e-mail....
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