FBI Investigates Suspicious Mailings Containing Unknown Substances Sent to US Officials

The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent nationwide to congressional offices and state election officials.

Some letters contained an unknown substance, including white powder. The mailings targeted the offices of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Senator Marco Rubio's office were also among those targeted. Election offices in at least 15 states, including Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, and Ohio, reported receiving or being the intended recipients of suspicious packages.

The incidents occurred less than three weeks before the November 3 midterm elections. Some mail was intercepted before delivery by the US Postal Service or Capitol Police, but others reached their destinations. Delaware's Department of Elections received and opened a letter with white powder on Thursday. The Louisiana secretary of state's office was evacuated after opening a package but reopened after no harmful substances were found.

Senator Padilla stated the incident is a “stark reminder of the very real dangers facing those who serve the public and who help administer our elections.” The House of Representatives' sergeant at arms warned congressional staff about the letters. Authorities have not established whether the mailings are connected or identified the sender. Three election officials briefed on the investigation were told more than 100 letters were sent.