Authorities in Phoenix have reported that around 20 mail-in ballots were damaged after an arson suspect set fire to a U.S. Postal Service mailbox. The incident occurred early Thursday morning in Arizona's capital.
The suspect, identified as a 35-year-old individual, has been arrested on a felony count of Arson to Property. According to the Phoenix Police Department, the suspect stated that the arson was not politically motivated and not related to the upcoming election.
Images from the scene show a charred mailbox outside a U.S. Post Office near 3900 North 7th Avenue. The Phoenix Fire Department confirmed that the suspect arrived early Thursday and ignited a fire inside the blue drive-up collection mailbox.
Approximately 20 electoral ballots were damaged, along with additional miscellaneous mail. The damaged ballots and mail are now in the possession of the Postal Inspector.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Robert Scherer mentioned that the suspect has a history with the local police. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer is urging voters who used the affected mailbox to check the status of their ballots online.
Mayor Kate Gallego condemned the incident, stating that threats and attempts to intimidate are illegal and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
