The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced Thursday that they are investigating a wave of suspicious letters containing unknown “substances” that were sent to election and congressional offices across the country.
Federal authorities warned that the contents of the letters could be “potentially hazardous.”
The letters have reportedly been delivered to secretary of state offices, election administrators and congressional offices nationwide.
“Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident,” an FBI spokesperson told the Associated Press.
The spokesperson added that the bureau is also working to track down whoever is behind the mailings.
“We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters,” the spokesperson said.
On Capitol Hill, the threat so far appears to be limited to the Senate, according to a person familiar with the matter cited by the Associated Press. The House, however, was monitoring developments.
The investigation follows a series of alarming incidents at state election offices in recent days.
Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma were evacuated after packages containing powdery substances were delivered.
In Ohio, the Postal Service intercepted another package containing white powder that had been addressed to the state’s secretary of state.
Ohio officials said similar mailings had also been sent to election officials in several other states.
The incidents come as election administrators across the country prepare for the November midterm elections, amid heightened concern over threats against election officials and workers.
Two national organizations representing election officials strongly condemned the mailings.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors described the letters as threats against election personnel.
“Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties,” the groups said.
The latest scare is not the first time election offices have been targeted in this way.
In 2023, election offices in multiple states received envelopes containing fentanyl or other suspicious substances. Those incidents forced evacuations and disrupted operations at the affected offices.
The new wave of letters has once again put election officials on edge just weeks before voters head to the polls.
Federal investigators are now working alongside their law enforcement partners to respond to each reported incident as it arises, according to the FBI.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects in connection with the mailings.
The nature of the unknown substances contained in some of the letters has also not been publicly detailed by the FBI, which said only that the contents could be potentially hazardous.
The investigation spans both election offices and congressional offices, reflecting the broad reach of the mailings across the country.
As the midterm elections draw closer, election officials and federal authorities alike are emphasizing that those responsible for running the nation’s elections should be able to do their jobs without fearing for their safety.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said their investigation remains ongoing.
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