Federal authorities are currently investigating an unusual series of events involving anonymous pizza deliveries to the homes of U.S. lawmakers across the nation and to the residences of those tasked with their protection.
The mysterious pizza deliveries have raised alarms among the authorities, who are concerned about the potential implications of these seemingly harmless acts. The evidence suggests that these unsolicited deliveries could potentially be veiled threats, as reported by congressional sources and others privy to the matter.
The recipients of these unexpected pizza deliveries span across the political aisle, reaching both Democrats and Republicans in the House, as confirmed by House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office. The current and former leadership of the U.S. Capitol Police have also been targeted, according to sources.
The Capitol Police, in an official statement, voiced their concerns over these recent pizza deliveries, describing the incidents as “troubling” in the current threat landscape. “Violence and threats, of any kind, targeted at elected officials will not be tolerated,” the statement read. The Capitol Police confirmed that they are working closely with federal, state, and local partners to address this issue.
This development follows earlier reports that the pizza deliveries began before a recent attack in Minnesota, where two state Democratic lawmakers were shot. The incident resulted in the death of one lawmaker and her husband and led to the subsequent capture of the alleged gunman, Vance Luther Boelter. According to federal authorities, Boelter had identified a list of potential targets, which included over 45 federal and state Democrats from Minnesota.
The acting U.S. attorney in Minnesota, Joe Thompson, stressed on Monday the increasing trend of violent political extremism in the U.S. He pointed out that these recent pizza deliveries add yet another layer of concern in an already tense political environment.
Concerns about these pizza deliveries were brought up during calls on Tuesday with congressional officials and House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland. The U.S. Capitol Police, however, have declined to provide further details, citing the need to protect ongoing investigations and to prevent potential copycats.
Reports indicate that anonymous pizza deliveries have been a recurring issue in recent years. It is believed that the deliveries are a veiled threat, revealing to the recipient that the sender is aware of their location. Federal Judge Esther Salas, whose son was murdered in 2020 by a man posing as a delivery driver, recently revealed that “hundreds of pizzas are being delivered to the personal homes of judges throughout the country.”
While law enforcement continues its investigations, the pizza deliveries raise important questions about security and the safety of public officials. It’s a stark reminder in a climate of heightened political tension that vigilance is paramount.
