Federal Authorities Investigate Suspicious Mailings Before Election Day

Federal authorities are actively investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to congressional offices and state election officials. This alert comes less than three weeks before Election Day.

The FBI, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is examining mail sent nationwide. This includes deliveries to secretaries of state and election-related offices. Some of these letters contained an unknown substance, prompting investigators to identify the senders.

States Affected by Suspicious Mailings

Election offices in at least 15 states have reported receiving suspicious packages. The states include Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin, as reported by NBC News.

It is important to note that not all packages reached their intended recipients. Authorities and lawmakers have confirmed that some mail was intercepted prior to delivery. Newsweek has reached out to the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police for comments.

Interception and Investigation Efforts

The Senate Sergeant at Arms, responsible for the upper chamber’s law enforcement, warned that law enforcement is actively working to intercept further letters. However, some could still be delivered to their destinations. The ongoing investigation involves the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police.

Several senators’ offices, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Alex Padilla of California, were reportedly targeted. As per The Washington Post, the connection between letters sent to congressional offices and those mailed to state officials remains unclear.

Capitol Police intercepted at least one suspicious letter addressed to Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. Moreover, Padilla confirmed that the Postal Service stopped a package before it reached his office.

Testing of Suspicious Substance

Preliminary tests of the white powder found in the suspicious mail indicated it was not hazardous, according to three law enforcement sources briefed by NBC News. Further testing is ongoing at law enforcement labs.

Despite initial tests showing no threat, the FBI stated that the substance in some letters remains unknown. They advised offices to handle suspicious mail as potentially dangerous. “Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident,” the FBI’s statement reads.

Evacuations occurred at election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma due to the packages containing powdery substances. Tests in Wisconsin indicated that the powder in a letter sent to their office was not hazardous. “Let this be very clear: This incident will not shake us,” stated Wisconsin elections administrator Meagan Wolfe.

USPS Preparation for Election Ballots

The suspicious mailings came as the U.S. Postal Service readies to handle millions of ballots for the November 3 midterm elections. Postmaster General David Steiner assured the agency’s readiness for increased ballot volume. USPS has implemented additional measures, such as extended hours at some locations, expedited handling, extra deliveries, and special ballot pickups.

Authorities confirmed that the suspicious mail was directed at public officials and election offices. There is no indication that voters’ ballots were targeted or that there is a connection between the incident and ballot-delivery preparations.

Newsweek has reached out to the offices of Schumer and the Louisiana Secretary of State for comment.