Election offices face evacuations as feds investigate letters with suspicious substances sent to multiple congressional offices

Federal investigation underway

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are examining a series of suspicious mailings sent to addresses nationwide, including offices of secretaries of state and related election offices.

An FBI spokesperson said some letters held an unknown substance. The agency is coordinating with law enforcement partners on the incidents and on efforts to identify who sent them. The spokesperson said the FBI would continue working to protect the public and secure elections for American citizens.

Congressional offices monitor situation

The situation in Congress appeared limited to the Senate, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The House was monitoring developments. Authorities have urged recipients to treat the letters as potentially hazardous.

Powder prompts office evacuations

The Postal Service intercepted a package containing white powder that was addressed to Ohio’s secretary of state. The official said similar parcels had been sent to election officials in multiple states.

Earlier threats raised alarm

The current warnings come three weeks before Election Day. A similar threat caused concern in 2023, when envelopes containing white powder were sent to election offices in six states.

Some of those letters included threats and traces of fentanyl, a powerful opioid. In response, some election offices stocked naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdoses. In a statement, officials said election administrators should not fear for their safety while performing their essential duties.