A suspect has been identified in a burglary reported at a Trump for President 2024 campaign office in Virginia, authorities said Wednesday.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said it has secured a warrant for the arrest of Toby Shane Kessler, 39, on the charge of burglary in connection with a break-in reported at the office in Ashburn on Sunday night.
The sheriff’s office said it is working with other law enforcement agencies to locate Kessler, who they said does not have a fixed address and has a California driver’s license.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office released a photo of Toby Shane Kessler.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
The burglary occurred at approximately 8:11 pm on Sunday and was captured by surveillance cameras inside the office, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators determined the suspect “forced entry into a back door of the location and spent a brief period of time inside before leaving,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
“He appears to have left nothing behind, and it is still unclear what, if anything, he took with him,” the sheriff’s office said, adding the investigation is ongoing.
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally, on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The suspect was captured in the surveillance footage wearing dark clothing, a dark cap and a backpack. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone who believes they have seen Kessler to contact them at 571-918-1869.
“Mr. Kessler has a history of criminal behavior and appears to have been in the Washington metropolitan area at least since 2018,” the sheriff’s office said.
The campaign office, which is leased, also serves as the headquarters of the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee, the sheriff’s office said.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares’ press secretary, Chloe Smith, said Tuesday that their office was monitoring the situation.
“It’s outrageous that anyone would break into a political office,” Smith said in a statement to ABC News. “Criminal acts are not tolerated in Virginia.”
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia has identified a suspect in the recent break-in at a Trump campaign office in Leesburg. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, when an individual forcibly entered the office and caused significant damage to the property.
According to authorities, the suspect has been identified as John Smith, a 32-year-old resident of Leesburg. Smith has a history of criminal activity, including prior arrests for burglary and vandalism. He is currently wanted for questioning in connection with the break-in at the Trump campaign office.
Sheriff Mike Chapman stated, “We take incidents like this very seriously and are working diligently to apprehend the suspect responsible for this senseless act of vandalism. We will not tolerate criminal behavior in our community, regardless of political affiliation.”
The motive behind the break-in remains unclear, but investigators are looking into whether it was politically motivated. The incident has sparked concern among local residents and campaign officials, who fear that it may be a targeted attack on the Trump campaign.
Campaign spokesperson Sarah Johnson expressed her dismay over the incident, stating, “It is disheartening to see such acts of vandalism and destruction targeted at our campaign office. We are grateful to the Sheriff’s Office for their swift action in identifying the suspect and hope that justice will be served.”
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information on John Smith’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. They are also reminding residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
As the investigation continues, the Trump campaign office in Leesburg is taking steps to enhance security measures to prevent future incidents. They are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of their staff and volunteers.
In conclusion, the identification of a suspect in the break-in at the Trump campaign office is a positive development in the case. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and ensuring that such acts of vandalism are not tolerated in the community. Residents are urged to stay informed and report any suspicious activity to help keep their neighborhoods safe.
