With Midterms Near, Feds Investigating Suspicious Letters Sent to Election Officials and Congressional Offices

Federal inquiry spans multiple locations

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious mail sent to addresses around the country, including state election offices and congressional workplaces. Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue said some letters contained a substance that has not been identified.

Donahue did not give a total number of incidents or discuss whether the cases may be connected. He said investigators had intercepted some letters and were working to determine who was responsible.

Donahue said the agencies would devote their resources to the investigation. He also said protecting election officials from dangerous or threatening mail was a priority.

Congressional office received letter

The Senate sergeant at arms sent congressional staff a notice about the investigation. The notice said some congressional offices had received suspicious letters. A spokesman for Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut confirmed that his office received a letter containing a suspicious substance. Josh Sorbe said the office was alerted by the FBI, the Senate sergeant at arms and Capitol Police, and is working with federal law enforcement. Sorbe said safety procedures and the response meant Murphy and his staff were not in immediate danger.

States report white powder

Election officials in Louisiana and Oklahoma described separate incidents in recent days. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said an employee in the Elections Division opened a package Tuesday and found white powder.

Landry said law enforcement tested the material and found no indication it was harmful. She reported that nobody was injured. Oklahoma’s State Election Board said it received an envelope with suspicious white powder Tuesday morning, prompting an evacuation. Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said nobody was hurt and law enforcement was investigating.

Investigation ahead of midterms

The reports come less than three weeks before the midterm elections. Federal investigators also examined suspicious letters before the 2024 elections. Donahue said officials were focused on identifying the people responsible for the current mailings. He declined to discuss any potential links among the incidents while the investigation continues.