The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating after several congressional offices and election officials received letters containing an “unknown substance.”
In an emailed statement, the FBI confirmed a series of suspicious mailings were sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters,” according to the bureau. “The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens.”
The incidents were reported just over two weeks before the midterm elections.
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Though the FBI declined to confirm specific incidents, election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma received packages containing an unknown white powdery substance, according to local reports.
Ohio officials said the state had been the target of a similar package that was intercepted by authorities.
The Washington Sun emailed the Senate and House sergeant-at-arms for information.
“Threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy,” said the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors in a joint statement responding to reports.
“Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties.”
The organizations said they have security measures and contingency plans in place to respond to potential threats and emergencies while carrying out election operations.
The incidents are reminiscent of a 2009 plot in which a Colorado man mailed threatening letters containing white powder to President Barack Obama, members of Congress, and the Argentine Consulate, raising fears of an anthrax attack. In 2023, election offices were also the target of what appeared to be a mail-based attack, with envelopes containing the opioid fentanyl sent to several officials, forcing them to stock up on the overdose-reversal drug naloxone.
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