Federal Authorities Investigate Suspicious Mailings Before Election Day

Federal authorities are conducting an investigation into suspicious mailings sent to congressional offices and state election officials less than three weeks before Election Day. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are leading the inquiry into the mail sent across the country, including to secretaries of state and related election offices. Some letters contained an unknown substance, and investigators are focused on identifying the sender.

State Election Offices Targeted

Election offices in at least 15 states reported receiving suspicious packages, according to NBC News. These states include Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. It is important to note that not every package reached its intended recipient. Some mail was intercepted before delivery.

Authorities and lawmakers are working together to handle the situation. Newsweek has attempted to contact the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police for comments.

Some Mail Intercepted Before Delivery

The Senate Sergeant at Arms, the upper chamber’s chief law enforcement and protocol officer, has alerted Senate offices about ongoing efforts to intercept additional letters. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to prevent further deliveries, though some letters may still reach their destinations.

The investigation involves collaboration among the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police. Several senators’ offices, including those of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senators Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla, were reported as targets. According to The Washington Post, it remains unclear whether the letters sent to congressional offices are linked to those mailed to state officials.

Capitol Police intercepted at least one suspicious letter addressed to Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. Senator Padilla stated the Postal Service intercepted a package before it arrived at his office.

Authorities Continue Testing Unknown Substance

Three law enforcement sources briefed NBC News that preliminary tests of the white powder indicated it was not hazardous. Further testing is ongoing in law enforcement laboratories. This preliminary result does not clear every mailing. The FBI described the substance in some letters as unknown and advised caution.

Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters.

Mail containing a powdery substance led to evacuations at election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma. In Wisconsin, election officials confirmed that a letter’s powder was not hazardous. Wisconsin elections administrator Meagan Wolfe stated, “Let this be very clear: This incident will not shake us.”

USPS Prepares for Ballot Volume

The mailings coincided with the U.S. Postal Service’s preparations to manage millions of ballots for the November 3 midterm elections. Postmaster General David Steiner assured that the agency was prepared to handle the ballot volume. USPS has implemented additional measures, including extended hours at some locations and expedited handling processes.

Authorities clarified that the suspicious mail targeted public officials and election offices. They have not indicated any connection between the mailings and voters’ ballots or the ballot-delivery preparations.

Questions regarding this story can be directed to Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Shakeema Edwards.