Bomb threat sent to elections staff causes Chisago County Gov. Center to open late

The Chisago County Government Center opened 1.5 hours late Tuesday after a bomb threat was sent to elections staff, County Administrator Chase Burnham said.

The threat was sent via email, and was deemed not credible by the State, Burnham added. The building was searched and cleared.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office said bomb threats were sent to election offices in more than half of Minnesota’s counties since last week.

Burnham added that authorities are working with the state and federal government to track the email and determine its origin.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon, sent the following statement regarding threats against county election offices.

“Threats of violence against election workers, aimed at disrupting our democracy, are absolutely unacceptable. Although Election Day is over, election officials across the state are continuing their work to verify that the election was free, fair, accurate, and secure. Over the next few weeks, counties will be canvassing the election, certifying election results, and conducting post-election reviews. 

Our office is coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to respond and ensure that our election officials can complete this important work and that those responsible for these threats are held accountable.”