Break-In at Trump Campaign Office: Suspect with Criminal Past Sought by Authorities
August 14, 2024Authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, are investigating a break-in at a campaign office for former President Donald Trump, which also serves as the headquarters for the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee.
The burglary was reported around 9 p.m. on Sunday, with deputies responding after security footage captured a suspect in dark clothing forcing entry through a back door.
Toby Shane Kessler, 39, has been identified as the suspect in this incident, although it remains unclear if he stole anything during his brief time inside the office.
Kessler was seen on surveillance footage entering the office and wandering around, but authorities confirmed he left no items behind.
According to the sheriff's office, Kessler has no fixed address and has a history of criminal behavior, including previous arrests for loitering and fraud.
This break-in follows reports of a cyber attack on Trump's campaign attributed to Iranian hackers, which the FBI is currently investigating.
Sheriff Mike Chapman emphasized the rarity of break-ins at political campaign offices and the commitment to understanding the motives and losses involved.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide further details soon regarding what may have been taken or left behind during the incident.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Kessler, and investigators are seeking public assistance in identifying him.
Sheriff's office spokesperson Thomas A. Julia confirmed that it is too early to determine if there was any political motivation behind the break-in.
Media outlets have reached out to Trump's campaign for comments regarding the burglary incident as the investigation continues.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
NBC News • Aug 12, 2024
Trump campaign office in Virginia burglarized, authorities sayHuffPost • Aug 13, 2024
Authorities Seek Suspect Linked To Break-In Of Trump Virginia Campaign OfficeABC News • Aug 14, 2024
Police identify suspect in break-in of Trump campaign office in VirginiaABC News • Aug 13, 2024
A burglary is reported at a Trump campaign office in Virginia