A polling place in Ankeny was evacuated for about three hours Tuesday after a live pipe bomb was found in the parking lot.
The device located by the Lakeside Center today has been identified as a live pipe bomb. This pipe bomb was rendered safe by a technician from the State Fire Marshal’s office and an investigation has begun in regards to this incident.
— Ankeny Police (@AnkenyPolice) March 3, 2021
According to photographer for The Des Moines Register who was reporting from the scene, a crew clad in bomb suits surrounded the device and safely detonated it. Voting resumed this afternoon at the precinct where ballots were being cast in a special election in the Ankeny School District.
The Polk County Auditor issued a statement after the polls closed. Jamie Fitzgerald, in a tweet, thanked poll workers, election staff, Ankeny Police, the Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Des Moines ATF for keeping voters and poll workers safe.
Ankeny Police say no other pipe bombs were found in the area. They’re asking anyone with information about the incident to call the Ankeny Police Department.