Story perspectives

Device Thrown at Catasauqua Polling Site; Voting Continues

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

State Police are investigating a device thrown from a car near Salem United Church of Christ polling site in Catasauqua.
The Catasauqua polling site stayed open and rerouted voters through an entrance despite street closures.
Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said officials are coordinating safety.
Election Judge Louis Draxler reported blockages reduced voter flow.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and bomb squads closed Third and Walnut Streets.

History

Historical Context

The April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people and prompted the FBI to add 500 agents and Congress to fund over $600 million in federal-building security upgrades. Those reforms, including permanent barriers and stricter risk assessments, form the backdrop for the 2024 Catasauqua polling-site bomb threat and renewed calls for federal election-site protection.

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Story summary

State Police are investigating a device thrown from a car near Salem United Church of Christ polling site in Catasauqua.
The Catasauqua polling site stayed open and rerouted voters through an entrance despite street closures.
Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said officials are coordinating safety.
Election Judge Louis Draxler reported blockages reduced voter flow.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and bomb squads closed Third and Walnut Streets.

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