Pima County Faces Hoax Bomb Threat with Chilling Warning of ‘Mass Casualties’ on Election Day

Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly faced an alarming situation on November 5 when she received a disturbing email detailing a bomb threat directed at her office. It read, “Hello, I’ve planted a bomb (lead azide) in your office at 240 Stone Avenue.” The gravity of the email compelled her to promptly call 911.

This email, obtained by Votebeat through a public records request, was one of several hoax bomb threats targeting election offices across Arizona on Election Day. Coming from an email associated with “maga,” the message warned of impending chaos, claiming the bomb would lead to “many wounded people.” Similar threats were reported in Cochise County, suggesting a coordinated effort.

When the threat reached Cázares-Kelly’s office around 5:30 p.m., the FBI had issued a news release downplaying the credibility of such threats nationwide. Recognizing the need for caution, she decided to take proactive measures despite feeling a sense of reassurance from the FBI’s statement.

Authorities swiftly deployed a bomb-sniffing dog to search the premises, which also houses a courthouse and other county offices. Cázares-Kelly informed her staff that they could leave if they felt uncomfortable, though law enforcement did not mandate an evacuation. Ultimately, it was confirmed that there was no active threat.

“We were very aware that this was meant to cause disruption to the voting process, and we have been prepared for this,” Cázares-Kelly stated. Her awareness reflects the anxiety gripping election officials on a day meant for civic engagement.

The threats were widespread, impacting election officials across 10 of Arizona’s 15 counties, including Coconino, Cochise, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma counties. A spokesperson for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes confirmed the reach of these threats, which targeted election centers, polling places, and recorder’s offices.

Responses varied across counties. While officials in Cochise and La Paz opted for evacuation, Pima County chose a different route, relying on multiple checks for safety. In many instances, bomb-sniffing dogs contributed to the assurance of safety.

The FBI’s investigation continues. Its preliminary statement on the threats hinted at potential Russian origins. When pressed for further details about connections between the threats, the FBI declined to elaborate.

Despite a public records request, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office withheld information regarding the threats received by counties. The Pima County Recorder’s Office, however, shared the full text of the threat received, marked with the subject line “My manifesto.”

The sender claimed the bomb would inflict minimal damage but insisted there would be “many wounded people when it explodes.” The chilling message concluded with a promise to detonate the bomb remotely amid a police presence.

As Cázares-Kelly processed the incoming threat, she had already been informed about similar incidents, fostering an expectation of chaos. When her colleague nervously delivered the email to her, she recognized the seriousness of the situation and quickly engaged the head of security.

During this unsettling time, her office remained relatively quiet, with most staff focused on the ballot drop-off process. She gathered her team to alert them about the situation, acknowledging the emotional toll of such an announcement.

“You announce something like that, it’s very scary,” Cázares-Kelly admitted. Despite the tension, all staff members opted to stay. Security measures, including surveillance cameras and key card access, contributed to a sense of safety within the building.

Eventually, the presence of a police dog searching the premises provided further peace of mind. Reflecting on the day, Cázares-Kelly expressed relief over her meticulous approach to this potential threat.

“My biggest fear is, what if I don’t take this seriously, and it’s serious, and my staff gets hurt?” she concluded. Her commitment to safety resonates as a vital aspect of her role during a tumultuous election cycle.