Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Father and Son Charged After Explosive Detonated Near Pennsylvania Polling Place

Prosecutors charged the men after investigators recovered multiple alleged homemade “M‑type” explosives during an active criminal probe.

Overview

  • The device detonated Tuesday morning near Salem United Church of Christ in Catasauqua, roughly a block from the polling entrance, and no one was injured.
  • Authorities used surveillance and witness accounts to link a green 1998 Chevrolet pickup to the scene and to two local men identified as Matthew and Jack Pletz.
  • Police searched the truck and recovered 17 additional alleged homemade M‑type explosive devices that state hazardous‑devices teams examined for explosive filler.
  • Both men were charged with weapons‑of‑mass‑destruction counts and related felonies, and Jack Pletz surrendered and was arraigned after officials urged him to turn himself in.
  • Officials say voting at the polling place continued and there is no current evidence the church or polling site was the intended target, and investigators cautioned the probe remains ongoing.