Politics
Election offices and congressional staff warned after suspicious letters arrive in multiple states
Federal investigators are tracking suspicious mail sent to election officials and congressional offices, with some letters containing an unidentified white powder. The investigation comes less than three weeks before Election Day, as officials urge staff to treat suspicious packages as potentially hazardous.
Federal authorities are investigating suspicious letters sent to state election offices and congressional offices in multiple states, including Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, as the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working to identify who sent the mail and stop additional letters from reaching their destinations. Some of the mailings contained an unidentified powdery white substance, authorities said.
In Louisiana, an employee who opened a letter at the secretary of state’s office Tuesday was not injured but went to an emergency room as a precaution, spokesperson Trey Williams said. Law enforcement found no evidence of a harmful substance in the incident.
The Postal Inspection Service said it had stopped delivery of at least one letter. Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue said investigators were coordinating with law enforcement partners to respond to each case. The FBI said it was examining mail sent nationwide, including to secretary of state offices and related election offices.
A notice from the Senate Sergeant at Arms to congressional staff said authorities were working to intercept other letters, but warned that some could still be delivered. Staff were told not to handle suspicious mail or substances and to leave the area. The notice listed possible warning signs including discoloration, powder coming from an envelope, or a postmark that does not match the return address.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said election workers should not have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs. Their statement comes as election offices prepare for voting and, in some places, early voting already underway.
The investigation follows similar incidents in 2024, when more than 15 state election offices received suspicious mailings. Authorities have not identified a sender or said whether the latest cases are connected.