FBI investigates suspicious mail sent to election and congressional offices

Federal investigators are tracing suspicious letters sent to election officials and congressional offices across the country, some containing unknown substances, less than three weeks before the midterm elections.

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the mailings and working to identify whoever sent them. Brendan Donahue, the Postal Inspection Service’s deputy chief inspector, said Wednesday that letters had been addressed to secretary of state offices and related election offices nationwide. Investigators have intercepted some of them, he said, but he declined to give a total or discuss whether the incidents are connected.

“We are committed to protecting our nation’s election officials from threatening and dangerous mail. Any threat or attack on an election official is unacceptable,” Donahue said. The agencies would bring their full resources to the investigations, he added.

Offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma received packages containing white powder Tuesday. In Ohio, Postal Service investigators intercepted a package destined for the secretary of state’s office before it was delivered, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday. LaRose thanked the investigators and said election officials should “never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties.”

In Louisiana, an employee in the secretary of state’s Elections Division opened a package and found white powder. Law enforcement tests found no evidence of harmful substances, Secretary of State Nancy Landry said. The employee went to an emergency room as a precaution and was not injured, spokesman Trey Williams told NBC News. He said the incident did not disrupt preparations for the election.

Louisiana State Police said the recovered substance had been sent to the FBI’s crime lab for testing and that no employees had reported injuries or adverse health effects. NBC affiliate KTAL reported that the Baton Rouge building was evacuated.

The Oklahoma State Election Board said its office was evacuated after it received an envelope containing suspicious white powder. No one was hurt, board Secretary Paul Ziriax said, and law enforcement is investigating. “We want to assure Oklahoma voters that today’s incident does not impact our ability to conduct elections,” he said.

Congressional offices were also among the recipients, according to a notice from the Senate sergeant at arms obtained by CBS News. A spokesman for Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said Murphy’s office received a letter containing a suspicious substance. The FBI, the sergeant at arms and Capitol Police promptly informed the office, and safety measures meant the senator and his staff were not in immediate danger, spokesman Josh Sorbe said.

The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said Wednesday that threats against election workers “have no place in our democracy.” Officials should not fear for their safety while doing their jobs, the groups said, adding that election offices work with law enforcement to protect staff and facilities.

Election officials faced similar mailings before the 2024 elections. According to NBC News, at least 20 states were targeted that year with letters containing suspicious powders, prompting federal agencies to issue guidance on protecting personnel from hazardous materials.