Full Breakdown
Bomb Threat Disrupts Brad Raffensperger’s Macon Campaign Stop
5/13/2026, 3:00:13 AM
Incident Overview
On May 12, 2026, a suspicious object was found inside a vending machine at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) evacuated the terminal, deployed an explosive-ordnance-disposal (EOD) bomb unit and canines, and labeled the situation an “active threat.” After a sweep, officials concluded the object was not a hazardous device. The airport reopened later that day, and the scheduled 10 a.m. speech by Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Raffensperger was delayed but eventually delivered from the parking lot.
Campaign Context
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State since 2019, announced his gubernatorial bid in September 2025. His “Standing for Georgia” tour visits regional airports, with Macon as the second stop after Columbus. The incident occurred during the final days before the Republican primary.
Key Actors
Key participants included candidate Brad Raffensperger, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office led by Sgt. Christopher Williams, an EOD bomb unit with canines, and airport authorities.
Timeline
At 8:21 a.m. the sheriff’s office received a 911 call; deputies and canines swept the airport and found the object in a vending machine, after which the bomb squad secured it. The 10 a.m. speech was delayed, and the airport reopened between 11:50 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., allowing Raffensperger to address the crowd from the parking lot.
Data Summary
The threat was reported at 8:21 a.m., the event was slated for 10 a.m., the airport reopened between 11:50 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., and no injuries, patrons, or hazardous devices were found.
Official Statements
BCSO said a “thorough sweep of the airport” found no hazardous devices. Raffensperger’s campaign said he would “allow law enforcement to do their job and will provide updates when appropriate,” and affirmed his intent to keep campaigning.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the exact reopening time (11:50 a.m. vs. 12:45 p.m.) and on whether a bomb squad was dispatched, as one source said the sheriff’s office could not confirm such deployment. The object’s nature remains undisclosed and no suspects have been identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you stand on principle, when you do the right thing, when you put people ahead of politics, not everyone will like it. In fact, some people may try to intimidate you or do you harm,” — Brad Raffensperger, gubernatorial candidate
- “So yes, we are dealing with an active threat. And no, I will not back down.” — Brad Raffensperger
- “After the thorough sweep of the airport, and further investigation, no hazardous devices were detected,” — Bibb County Sheriff’s Office
- “There were no injuries reported at this location, and no staff or patrons were inside the airport when this object was found.” — Bibb County Sheriff’s Office
What’s Next
The tour moves to Augusta later on May 12, with further stops planned. Law-enforcement continues to investigate the object, and the sheriff’s office promises additional updates as the inquiry proceeds.
