FBI investigates letters containing unknown substance sent to US election officials
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious letters containing an unknown substance sent to election offices and officials nationwide. Envelopes prompted evacuations in Louisiana and Oklahoma, while postal workers intercepted others.
Image: theguardian.com · Author: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/ariana-baio · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of letters containing an unknown substance sent to state secretary offices and election agencies nationwide.
Weeks before November’s midterm elections, election officials in Louisiana and Oklahoma received envelopes containing a powdery substance, prompting evacuations. The US Postal Service intercepted a similar package addressed to Ohio’s secretary of state.
Federal authorities urged recipients to treat the mail as potentially hazardous. A notice to senators said law enforcement was working to intercept additional letters, though some could still reach their destinations.
FBI seeks those responsible
The FBI confirmed it was investigating suspicious mailings sent to addresses across the country with the Postal Inspection Service. The bureau said some letters contained an unknown substance and that investigators were working to identify the individuals responsible. It declined to say what the substance might be.
Oklahoma state troopers determined that the material sent to the state Capitol complex was non-hazardous. In Illinois, an envelope containing white powder was sent to Cook County treasurer Maria Pappas; her office said the substance was baking powder.
Other recipients included Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut and California Senator Alex Padilla. The USPS intercepted the letter sent to Padilla. Another letter addressed to Pennsylvania’s state department was also intercepted.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said they were concerned about the incidents and stressed that election workers should not fear for their safety while performing their duties.
Similar incidents have occurred during previous election cycles. In 2024, at least 14 election offices received mail containing white powder; in 2023, such letters were sent to offices in six states, with some samples containing trace amounts of fentanyl.
What we know
- The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating letters containing an unknown substance.
- Mailings prompted evacuations in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
- The USPS intercepted letters sent to officials in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Alex Padilla.
- Authorities deemed the material in Oklahoma non-hazardous, while Cook County received baking powder.
- At least 14 election offices received similar white-powder mail in 2024.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: The Guardian World.
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