The FBI is investigating mail containing unknown substances sent to the Senate and state election authorities this week, ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The Senate sergeant at arms, the chamber’s chief law enforcement officer, informed the Senate about the investigation into the suspicious mail in a message obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.
The FBI told NBC News in a statement that it is “investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide,” including some containing suspicious substances. The bureau said it is “working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters.”
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The House is monitoring its mail in light of the investigation, a source familiar with the situation who was not at liberty to discuss it publicly told the AP.
Federal law enforcement is urging recipients of the letters and packages to treat them as potential hazards.
Mail containing an unknown powder was also sent this week to chief election authorities in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office said on social media that an employee in the elections division opened a package containing white powder on Tuesday afternoon. The office was closed for the day but reopened Wednesday, after law enforcement found that the substance was not harmful.
The Oklahoma State Election Board said in a release that its offices were evacuated Tuesday after receiving an envelope containing a white powder. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said on social media that it determined the substance was non-hazardous and that the Oklahoma State Capitol Complex would open as normal Wednesday.
“We want to assure Oklahoma voters that today’s incident does not impact our ability to conduct elections. Election officials remain committed to ensuring safe and secure elections,” Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said on social media that the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a powder-containing package before it could be delivered to his office.
“Election officials should never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties, and there is no place in a peaceful democracy for violence, threats or acts of intimidation. We have a duty to the citizens of Ohio to deliver secure and accessible elections, and these kinds of cowardly threats will not deter us from that mission,” Mr. LaRose said.
In a joint statement Wednesday, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors expressed concern that “threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy. Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties.”
This election cycle is not the first time powder-bearing packages were shipped to authorities overseeing elections. Officials in at least six states had packages containing powder sent to them ahead of the 2024 elections, according to CNN.
Several offices in charge of overseeing elections received mail containing the opioid fentanyl in 2023, according to the AP.
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