Arson Investigation into Burned USPS Mailbox in Phoenix

A USPS collection box in Phoenix was set on fire early Thursday, damaging approximately 20 mail-in ballots and other mail, according to Phoenix Fire Department officials. The incident, which occurred near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road, is under investigation by the Phoenix Fire's Arson Investigation Taskforce and has become part of a broader criminal investigation. The exact motive behind the fire remains unclear, but local officials, including Democratic Mayor Kate Gallego, have expressed concern and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Voters who used the affected mailbox in the last 36 hours have been advised to monitor their ballot status online and can request a replacement ballot until October 25. This arson case occurs amid heightened security measures for election offices in Arizona, with preparations for potential election-related violence. Surveillance footage is expected to assist the ongoing investigation.