Bomb threats sent to RI Democrats deemed hoax by police

Police investigated bomb threats Thursday at the homes of at least three Rhode Island public officials, including the state Senate’s top two Democrats.

The Rhode Island State Police (RISP) said they take all threats seriously and they are under investigation.

Senate President Valarie Lawson and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone were identified as targets, but the RISP declined to identify the third official.

Local new channel WPRI confirmed they witnessed “nearly 20 state and local police cruisers at about 1:45 p.m. outside the home of Senate President Valarie Lawson and that the scene was cleared at about 2:15 p.m.”.

A similar threat targeted Ciccone’s home, referencing pipe bombs. Ciccone, who is at a conference in California, relayed to the RISP his home cameras showed no signs of activity.

No threats have been reported against Governor Dan McKee or House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, according to their offices.

The incidents come amid a wave of political violence nationwide. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated Wednesday while speaking at a Utah college. While in June, a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were killed in their home, and earlier this year an alleged arson attempt targeted Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. As well as, President Donald Trump facing his own assassination attempt in 2024 before winning reelection in November.

Threats sent to RI Democrats