Federal Authorities Investigate Suspicious Mailings Ahead of Election Day

Federal authorities have launched an investigation into suspicious mailings sent to congressional offices and state election officials. This occurs less than three weeks before Election Day. The FBI, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is probing mail sent to various addresses across the country, including secretaries of state and related election offices. Some of the letters contain an unknown substance, and investigators are determining the source.

Election offices in at least 15 states reported receiving suspicious packages. These states include Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. Not all packages reached their intended destinations, as some were intercepted before delivery. Newsweek has sought comments from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police.

Some Mail Was Intercepted Before Delivery

The Senate Sergeant at Arms, who oversees law enforcement and protocol for the upper chamber, has warned Senate offices that law enforcement is working to intercept more letters. However, some might still get through. This investigation includes efforts from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police.

The Washington Post reported that several senators’ offices were targeted. These include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Alex Padilla of California. It remains unclear if the letters to congressional offices are related to those sent to state officials. Capitol Police intercepted at least one suspicious letter intended for Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. Meanwhile, Padilla noted that the Postal Service intercepted a package before reaching his office.

Authorities Continue To Test White Powder

Sources informed NBC News that initial testing of the white powder found in some letters indicated it was not hazardous. Further laboratory testing continues. The FBI has not definitively cleared all mailings. The Senate Sergeant at Arms has advised treating all suspicious mail as potentially hazardous. The FBI emphasized the collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners in responding to each incident and identifying those responsible for the mailings.

Some packages contained a powdery substance, leading to evacuations in election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma. Wisconsin election officials confirmed that the powder in a received letter was non-hazardous. Wisconsin elections administrator Meagan Wolfe asserted, “This incident will not shake us.”

USPS Prepares for Ballot Volume

These mailings come as the U.S. Postal Service gears up for the influx of ballots for the November 3 midterm elections. Postmaster General David Steiner has affirmed that the agency is prepared, introducing additional measures such as extended hours, expedited handling, extra deliveries, and special ballot pickups.

Authorities have stated that suspicious mail targeted public officials and election offices. There has been no indication that voters’ ballots were targeted or that ballot delivery preparations are connected to this investigation.

For more information, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Shakeema Edwards.