Letters with 'suspicious substances' sent to US election offices - BBC News
Federal Authorities Investigate "Potentially Hazardous" Letters
Federal authorities are investigating "potentially hazardous" letters containing "suspicious substances" sent to congressional and state election offices across the US.
FBI and US Postal Inspection Service on the Case
The FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are working to trace the "suspicious mailings", some of which were intercepted before delivery. They stated, "This FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens."
Incidents Reported Across the Country
- Oklahoma State Election Board and Louisiana Secretary of State received letters containing white powder.
- Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reported a letter with white powder addressed to his office, but it was intercepted by the USPIS.
- Senator Chris Murphy (CT, Democrat) also received a letter with a suspicious substance, which was intercepted.
- New York State Capitol and Wyoming State Capitol also received suspicious packages.
Timing Raises Concerns
These incidents occur just weeks before the US midterm elections, which will determine the balance of power in Congress. Similar security scares involving suspicious mailings took place in 2022 and 2021, when envelopes with fentanyl were sent to election offices.