Politics
Suspicious mail reaches Salem congressman’s office and Massachusetts election division
A package containing an unidentified powder was removed from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton’s Salem office, while an unopened envelope matching reports from other election offices was secured at Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s Boston office. Authorities are investigating similar mail sent to congressional and election offices nationwide ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Authorities in Massachusetts responded Friday to suspicious mail at the Salem office of U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and the Boston office of Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, as federal agencies investigate similar incidents around the country less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Salem police said they went to Moulton’s office at 21 Front St. Friday morning after a package arrived through the U.S. Postal Service. The parcel contained an unidentified powdery substance, which law enforcement secured and removed. Officials said the material would be analyzed. A spokesperson for Moulton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At Galvin’s Boston office, staff received an envelope addressed to the Elections Division that matched descriptions of suspicious mail reported by election offices elsewhere, the secretary’s office said. Employees did not open it and contacted state and federal authorities. The envelope was turned over to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Galvin thanked Massachusetts State Police, the FBI and postal inspectors for their response, saying the Elections Division’s work continued and staff remained focused on administering the upcoming election.
The FBI, Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating a broader series of letters containing suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices. The FBI said some letters contained an unknown substance and that investigators are working with law enforcement partners both to respond to the incidents and identify those responsible.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said election officials are coordinating with law enforcement and security partners and have contingency plans to protect staff and facilities while keeping essential election operations running.
Authorities had not announced the results of testing on the substance found in Salem or identified a motive for the incidents.