Politics
Suspicious envelopes draw emergency response at four Bay Area congressional offices
Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna and Jimmy Panetta reported suspicious mail at district offices in four Bay Area cities. Authorities found no hazardous material in the cases described so far, and investigations are continuing.
Suspicious envelopes reported at district offices in Walnut Creek, San Jose, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz prompted emergency responses and investigations this week, according to the offices of four Bay Area members of Congress.
The recipients were U.S. Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna and Jimmy Panetta, all Democrats seeking re-election in November. The reports come amid more than 100 similar incidents under federal investigation nationwide, including cases involving elected officials and local election offices.
An envelope sent to Panetta’s Santa Cruz office contained a white powdery substance, he said. Authorities later determined it was a mixture of sugar and flour.
At Lofgren’s San Jose office, a bomb squad responded Friday and found the letter’s contents were not hazardous. The investigation remains open. Emergency crews also went to Khanna’s Santa Clara office Friday; officials did not disclose what prompted their visit.
DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek office reported an envelope to authorities without opening it. In a statement, DeSaulnier condemned threats against public officials and said he would continue his re-election campaign against Republican Jeff Frese.
“Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country,” DeSaulnier said, urging people to oppose efforts to undermine democracy.
Panetta also said the incidents would not deter him from his work. “Threats, fearmongering, and violence against public servants have become far too common over the past decade and undermine our democracy,” he said.
Authorities have not identified who sent the mailings. Investigations into the cases are ongoing.