FBI investigates suspicious mailings sent to election officials and Congress offices

Federal authorities are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to state election officials and congressional offices in multiple states, some of which contained a powdery white substance.

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said they are responding to each incident with law enforcement partners and are working to identify who sent the letters. The mailings went to election officials in states including Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, as well as to congressional offices. It is not yet clear who sent them.

Louisiana employee taken to hospital as a precaution

A Louisiana Secretary of State employee who opened a letter sent to the office on Tuesday was not injured but went to an emergency room as a precaution, spokesperson Trey Williams said. Law enforcement found no evidence of harmful substances, according to his statement.

Senator says package was intercepted

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., told NPR that his office was among those targeted. He said the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a suspicious package before it reached his office and that no threat was posed to his staff.

Padilla said the incident was "a stark reminder of the very real dangers facing those who serve the public and who help administer our elections in the face of increasingly hostile political rhetoric — especially from Donald Trump."

Staff advised on handling suspicious mail

Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said the agency stopped at least one mailing from being delivered. "Some of the letters have contained an unknown substance, and we're working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident," he said.

A note from the Senate's Sergeant at Arms to congressional staff, obtained by NPR, said law enforcement is trying to intercept additional letters before delivery, but that some may still arrive. Staff were told to treat any suspicious letter, package or substance as potentially hazardous and to leave the area rather than handle it.

The note listed warning signs including discoloration, powder coming from an envelope and postmarks that do not match the return address. An image in the communication showed a return address labeled "DSA" with a New York City address.

The U.S. Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms did not return requests for comment. The FBI said it is investigating suspicious mailings sent nationwide, including to Secretary of State offices and related election offices, and is working to identify those responsible.

The case echoes 2024 incidents in which more than 15 state election offices received suspicious mailings. With less than three weeks until the Nov. 3 midterm elections, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said those who run elections "should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties."

Source: NPR News.