US Election 2024: Washington State activates National Guard over fears of 'potential violence'

The move to activate the National Guard in Washington State on the week of the US presidential election comes as police continue to hunt a man suspected of burning hundreds of ballots

Washington State has activated the National Guard ahead of next week's US presidential election over fears of 'potential violence'.

On Friday, Governor Jay Inslee said he was calling up troops to "ensure we are fully prepared to respond" to any potential civil unrest or violence". Hundreds of ballots were burnt when drop boxes were targeted with incendiary devices in Vancouver, Washington and nearby Portland, Oregon, this week, sparking fears of further disruption ahead of the nationwide poll on Tuesday.

The National Guard will be put on standby from Monday until just after midnight on Thursday, Governor Jay Inslee said. The governor wrote in a letter published on his website: "Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond. Our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to include support necessary to protect vital infrastructure related to carrying out free and fair elections and to respond to any unrest related to the 2024 general election."

On Wednesday, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Mike Benner said they believe the man who set the incendiary devices at ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver had a "wealth of experience" in metal fabrication and welding. The way the devices were constructed and the way they were attached to the metal drop boxes showed that expertise, Benner said. Authorities described the suspect as a white man aged 30 to 40, who is balding or has very short hair.

CCTV footage showed the man driving a black or dark-coloured 2001 to 2004 Volvo S-60. The vehicle did not have a front license plate, but it did have a rear plate with unknown letters or numbers. The incendiary devices were marked with the message "Free Gaza," according to an anonymous law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press.