Authorities have arrested an individual after 2024 ballots were recently found burned. 

Phoenix Police Department, according to ABC News, has arrested 35-year-old Dieter Klofkorn.

The department has charged Klofkorn with one count of felony arson.

The big question, though, is what was his motivation, assuming that he is the person responsible for the burned ballots.

Here is what happened:

The incident took place on Oct. 24 at 1 a.m. in Phoenix, Arizona. There a United States Postal Service (USPS) box, located at Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road, was set on fire.

The Phoenix Police Department reported:

On October 24. 2024, shortly after 1:00 a.m., the Phoenix Police Department was contacted by the Phoenix Fire Department after they responded to a fire of a mailbox at a U.S. Postal Office in the area of 3900 North 7th Avenue.

The fire was put out and about two dozen 2024 ballots were found burnt. The department explained, "Due to the possibility of this being an arson, the Phoenix Fire Department's Arson Investigation Taskforce was contacted, and they assumed the investigation."

It appears that, during the investigation, the police found surveillance footage among other clues.

Eventually, this is what led them to Klofkorn.

Arrest made

The Phoenix Police Department explains how it is that they came upon Klofkorn.

It writes:

Klofkorn was located and arrested for an outstanding and unrelated arrest warrant. While in custody, he was interview about his involvement in the arson. Klofkorn admitted to committing the arson. Klofkorn stated that he committed the arson becaused he wanted to be arrested and that his actions were not politically motivated and not related to anything involving the upcoming election.

The big question is whether this all checks out, as it does seem a little too good to be true. At the time of this writing, an investigation into the situation remains underway, and, thus far, the Phoenix Police Department has not provided any updates. So, for now, it appears that Klofkorn is still the prime suspect in the incident.

Another question is what is going to happen to the ballots. The answer is not immediately clear. Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade has stated:

The Postal Inspector took possession of the damaged ballots and mail. The Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force, which includes Phoenix Police detectives and Phoenix Fire investigators, are working with US Postal Inspectors.

At the time of this writing, it is unknown just how badly damaged the ballots are and whether the voters who submitted them can be identified.