WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Thursday, bomb threats were reported against six Democratic Congress members from Connecticut, as confirmed by the lawmakers or their representatives. Among those targeted were Senator Chris Murphy and five House representatives: Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, Jahana Hayes, and Rosa DeLauro. When law enforcement arrived at their residences, no explosives were discovered.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that while he did not receive a bomb threat on Thursday, he was threatened a couple of weeks prior. He reflected on the alarming trend, noting, “Unfortunately, very regrettably, they are part of our life.”
The threats against the Connecticut Democrats came on the heels of reported threats against several high-profile Cabinet nominees and appointees from President-elect Donald Trump. These included “swatting attacks,” where individuals falsely report emergencies to provoke a swift law enforcement response.
Murphy’s Hartford residence was specifically mentioned as the target of a bomb threat, which authorities indicated might be part of a wider scheme affecting multiple public figures. Both Hartford Police and U.S. Capitol Police concluded that there was no real threat at his property.
DeLauro shared on social media that the bomb squad of the New Haven Police Department responded to the threat and confirmed that no explosives were found, expressing her gratitude for their rapid action and relief that everyone was unharmed.
Hayes reported that the Wolcott Police Department informed her about a threatening email claiming a pipe bomb had been placed in her mailbox. An extensive response involved state police, U.S. Capitol Police, and the House sergeant at arms, which led to the discovery that no explosives were present.
Courtney’s home in Vernon also received a bomb threat, concerning his wife and children at the time. Himes encountered the news about the threat against his home while celebrating Thanksgiving with family. Local police agencies including U.S. Capitol Police, Greenwich, and Stamford police departments responded to ensure everyone’s safety.
Himes expressed deep gratitude toward local law enforcement for their prompt response, emphasizing that political violence has no place in the nation and wishing for peace and civility, especially during the holiday season.
Larson similarly reported that the East Hartford Police responded to threats involving his residence. Meanwhile, the FBI confirmed that they are collaborating with various agencies to investigate these recent threats but did not provide any additional details.
These threats come amid a period of increased violence in political contexts, including a gunman firing at a Trump rally in July, resulting in one death, and an assassination attempt foiled by the Secret Service at Trump’s Florida golf course.
Recent threats also reached other prominent figures, including New York Representative Elise Stefanik, Trump’s selected ambassador to the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, chosen for attorney general; Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, slated to lead the Department of Labor, and former Congressman Lee Zeldin, appointed to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency.
