A man detonated an explosive device near a polling station in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, disrupting voting operations for the Democratic primary in the state’s 7th Congressional District. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the incident occurred at the Salem United Church of Christ, which served as the voting location for residents in the small eastern city with a population of 6,518 according to the 2020 census.
Authorities recovered evidence indicating the device was constructed using “M-type” explosives and detonated beneath a vehicle parked near the polling site where voters were preparing to cast ballots. Police arrested Matthew Pletz, 57, and Jack Pletz, 25, on charges of weapons of mass destruction after investigators found 17 illegal homemade explosives in their possession.
According to a criminal complaint, both men were allegedly inside a green 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck when the device detonated at the intersection of Walnut and 3rd streets. Security footage shows them fleeing the scene moments before the explosion, with witnesses reporting a driver in a Chevrolet Equinox hearing a loud bang while driving through smoke.
Local election officials noted significant voter turnout decline following the incident due to road closures. Catasauqua Judge of Elections Louis Draxler stated that prior to the detonation, voters were entering steadily, but street closures have since severely limited attendance. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the area was secured after responders identified remnants of the explosive device and recovered video footage consistent with the event.
The incident follows reports from the Brennan Center for Justice indicating at least 227 bomb threats targeting voting centers nationwide during the 2024 election cycle, including in Pennsylvania.
