Politics
Ohio election office targeted in nationwide suspicious-mail investigation, FBI says
The U.S. Postal Service intercepted a letter containing an unknown white powder that was intended for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating similar mailings as early voting gets underway in Ohio.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Federal authorities are investigating a suspicious letter containing white powder that was addressed to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office, officials said Wednesday. The U.S. Postal Service intercepted the letter before it arrived at the office.
LaRose said state and federal agencies confirmed his office was the intended recipient. The substance has not been identified publicly. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the Ohio incident as part of a broader series of suspicious mailings to addresses nationwide, including election offices, the FBI said.
Investigators are working with law enforcement partners to respond to the cases and identify who sent the letters, according to the FBI. LaRose said postal investigators reported similar mailings targeting election officials in other states.
LaRose said he had alerted county boards of elections to remain vigilant. He condemned threats against election workers and said they would not deter officials from carrying out their responsibilities.
“Election officials should never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties,” LaRose said in a statement, adding that violence and intimidation have no place in a peaceful democracy.
He also said Ohio has security procedures and contingency plans for elections and that his office regularly reviews readiness with law enforcement. LaRose urged voters to have confidence in the state’s election process.
The investigation comes as early in-person voting is underway in Ohio, less than a month before the Nov. 3 general election. No disruption to voting was reported in connection with the intercepted letter.