On Wednesday, an explosive device detonated beneath a vehicle parked near a polling station in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, during the Democratic primary for the state’s 7th Congressional District.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the incident occurred at the Salem United Church of Christ, which served as the polling location. The explosion took place early Tuesday morning when voters were preparing to cast ballots.

Authorities arrested two suspects, Matthew Pletz, 57, and Jack Pletz, 25, who possessed 17 illegal homemade explosives. The men were charged with weapons of mass destruction offenses following an investigation that recovered footage showing them inside a green 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck moments before the explosion.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Walnut and 3rd Streets in Catasauqua, where the explosive device was consistent with “M-type” construction. Investigators found remnants of the device at the scene.

Local election officials reported that road closures following the incident have significantly reduced voter turnout. “Prior to all of this happening, we were getting a steady stream of people in,” said Catasauqua Judge of Election Louis Draxler. “Since this has occurred and the streets are all blocked off, we’re getting very few people coming in.”

Bomb threats targeting polling places have been a recurring issue during the 2024 election cycle, with at least 227 incidents reported nationwide, including in Pennsylvania.