Just days before Election Day, a Philadelphia man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to bomb the Montgomery County Republican Committee office in Pennsylvania, intensifying concerns over rising political violence. The incident recalls the hostility seen in 2020 and raises alarms about the safety of election staff this season.

Edward Cieri Jr., 39, allegedly made a profanity-laced call to the GOP office, threatening to “shoot the place up” or “blow it up.” The staffer, who works for Trump’s campaign, was alone in the office when the threat was made. Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele condemned the threats as “crossing the line into criminal behavior,” pledging that law enforcement will protect election workers from violence.

Man Arrested In Montco GOP Office Bomb Threat: DA

Cieri was charged with threatening to place weapons of mass destruction, terroristic threats, and harassment. He was released on $35,000 bail with the condition that stay away from all Republican Committee offices as well as not… pic.twitter.com/Ku5d4dnRNZ

— ❣️Anne❣️ (@USA_Anne711) October 31, 2024

In response to the arrest, GOP Chair Christian Nascimento pointed out that recent assassination attempts on Trump have already prompted the campaign to increase security, with staff now mostly working remotely. Nascimento expressed concern over the rising hostility toward conservative political offices, which he views as an unfortunate trend in today’s political climate.

Cieri is facing multiple charges, including Terroristic Threats, Threatening to Place Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Harassment. Bail was set at $35,000, and he is restricted from entering GOP offices or contacting the staffer he threatened. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 14.

The Montgomery County DA’s office has called on the public to report any suspicious activity to help prevent further incidents. Law enforcement is committed to a swift response to all threats, hoping to protect voters and election workers.

This case underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the election. As authorities work to secure the voting process, many hope for a safe and peaceful Election Day without further threats.