Bomb threat in Philadelphia prompts evacuation of Pennsylvania Republican Party headquarters

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Montgomery County Republican Committee headquarters was evacuated Saturday after receiving a bomb threat, adding to a string of violent incidents targeting GOP staff and offices. The threat came as a result of a phone call at 11:07 a.m. that included angry language and profanity, the committee said.

This incident follows a disturbing pattern of escalating threats, violence and intimidation directed at Republican Party members and staff in Pennsylvania. On Sept. 6, a Republican staffer in Erie County received death threats from a Philadelphia man who reportedly sent messages such as, “Your days are numbered, bitch!” and “GONA F.I WILL FIND YOU, TAKE OFF YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR FTOILET PAPER, YOU F*ING KKKT!”

In another incident on Oct. 10, individuals allegedly broke into the Delaware County Republican Party headquarters, threatening to kill employees and preventing them from leaving the premises. Most recently, on October 17, several members of the Republican Party received anonymous threatening letters. The letters reportedly said, “If your candidate wins…we know where you live, you’re in the database,” and warned of potential consequences, including harm to family and property.

The threats come as tensions escalate ahead of the 2024 elections. Authorities, including local police, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Election Integrity Task Force and the FBI, were notified of the incidents. No information about ongoing investigations or potential suspects has been released.

Despite rising threats of violence, GOP leaders remain steadfast. “Nothing will stop us from working to elect those who will get our country back on track,” said Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas. He condemned the attacks and called for an end to political violence, urging Pennsylvanians to express their opinions through voting rather than intimidation and threats.

Tabas’ comments referenced a recent tragic incident in Butler County where a man died in what he called politically motivated violence. The growing frequency of such threats has prompted officials and community leaders to call for increased security measures and broader bipartisan condemnation.