SALEM, Ore. – Three Democratic state senators in Oregon were the targets of bomb threats Thursday morning, prompting a swift law enforcement response. Authorities later confirmed the threats were false, but the incident has heightened concerns over political violence.
Threats Emailed to Lawmakers
According to an afternoon email from Oregon State Police (OSP) Lieutenant Casi Hegney, the threats were sent electronically to Senate President Rob Wagner (D–Lake Oswego), Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D–Portland), and Sen. James Manning (D–Eugene).
OSP explosive technicians searched the senators’ homes and found no devices. “The senators are OK,” Hegney said, adding that OSP is now working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local police to identify the sender.
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Political Context and Timing
The threats arrived on a particularly sensitive date: the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and just one day after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an incident that has shocked the nation.
While authorities have not linked the Oregon threats directly to those events, the timing fueled concern among lawmakers. Manning, one of Oregon’s few Black senators, said he learned of the threats from Eugene police while traveling out of state.
“It’s really just truly sad that we have sick people out there that will do things like that,” Manning told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “When we talk about what happened to Charlie Kirk, I think that was appalling. That was hurtful. I feel for his family, regardless of his political views. Murder is murder.”
Responses from Targeted Senators
Both Sen. Jama and Sen. Wagner issued written statements thanking law enforcement for their rapid response.
Jama stressed the importance of keeping political disputes nonviolent:
“Violence and threats of violence should never be part of political disagreements. We can oppose each other’s ideas without resorting to violence and intimidation.”
Wagner echoed the call for unity:
“Acts and threats of political violence have no place in our democracy. In this dark moment, we must seek the common humanity in one another and work toward healing our nation.”
Law Enforcement Investigation
OSP has not shared details about the content of the threats but confirmed they are being treated seriously. Working with the FBI and local agencies, state police are attempting to trace the emails to their source.
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R–The Dalles) confirmed that he was briefed on the threats alongside other legislative leaders. He expressed relief that no explosives were found and emphasized bipartisan concern for the safety of colleagues.
Security at the Capitol has been a recurring topic in recent years, with lawmakers of both parties facing harassment, protests, and online threats. Thursday’s incident adds to that growing list.
Broader Concerns About Political Violence
The episode underscores a larger national issue: the increasing use of threats and intimidation in political discourse. From local councils to Congress, elected officials across the country have reported heightened harassment, particularly since 2020.
For Manning and Jama—two of Oregon’s only Black state senators—the threats carry additional weight. Both have spoken in the past about the unique pressures and hostility faced by lawmakers of color.
Political scientists warn that the normalization of intimidation tactics undermines democratic participation. By targeting elected officials directly, such threats risk chilling debate and discouraging public service.
Community and Public Safety
Authorities urged Oregonians to report suspicious messages or behavior to law enforcement. Though Thursday’s threats were determined to be false, OSP said the safety of public officials and residents remains the top priority.
For now, Manning said his focus is on empathy, not fear: “Regardless of political views, we have to remember that murder is murder, violence is violence. It shouldn’t have any place in our politics.”
Conclusion
While no bombs were found and the targeted senators are safe, Thursday’s threats left an unsettling mark on Oregon’s political landscape. Coming on the heels of a national tragedy and on a day of historical remembrance, the incident served as a reminder of the fragile line between political disagreement and violence.
With investigations ongoing, lawmakers across party lines are calling for a renewed commitment to civility, safety, and respect in Oregon politics.
