Federal law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple suspicious mailings containing unknown substances sent to state election officials and congressional offices across the U.S., with some intercepted before delivery.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and FBI confirmed they were probing the incidents, which involved letters mailed to secretary of state offices, election offices, and congressional offices. The Senate Sergeant at Arms issued a notice to staff warning of the investigation, noting that some letters contained an unknown substance.
Key developments:
- Ohio, Louisiana, and Oklahoma election offices received packages with suspicious white powder, prompting evacuations in Louisiana and Oklahoma. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office reported an intercepted letter containing a powdery white substance.
- Sen. Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) office confirmed receiving a letter with a suspicious substance, though no injuries were reported.
- Law enforcement agencies are working to identify the senders and have intercepted some letters before delivery.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Federal agencies are treating the mailings as potential threats, with the FBI, USPIS, and U.S. Capitol Police leading the investigation. The USPIS Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue stated that the letters were sent to multiple addresses nationwide, including election-related offices. The Senate Sergeant at Arms notified congressional staff of the investigation, emphasizing that any threat to election officials is unacceptable.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Officials Respond to Mailings
- Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirmed that a letter containing a powdery white substance was intercepted before reaching his office. He noted that similar mailings were sent to election officials in multiple states and that the FBI was handling the matter.
- Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry reported that an employee opened a package containing white powder, leading to the office’s temporary closure. The substance’s contents remain unknown.
- Oklahoma State Election Board received an envelope with a suspicious white powder and notified the Oklahoma Highway Patrol immediately. No injuries were reported.
Congressional Offices Affected
- Sen. Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) office was among those targeted. A spokesman stated that the office was promptly informed by federal law enforcement and that safety protocols were followed.
- The Senate Sergeant at Arms alerted staff that additional letters may still reach destinations, though law enforcement is working to intercept them.
Investigation & Next Steps
- The FBI and USPIS are leading the investigation, with no confirmed suspects or motives as of the latest updates.
- Federal officials declined to provide an exact number of incidents or discuss possible connections, citing the ongoing investigation.
- The incidents come less than three weeks before the midterm elections, raising concerns about election security.
Safety Measures
- Election officials in affected states have urged county boards of elections to remain vigilant.
- The FBI stated that it is working with partners to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.