A wave of letters containing an unidentified substance has reached congressional offices, state election offices and a state capitol across the country, prompting evacuations and an FBI investigation that is still expanding.
The FBI confirmed it is investigating the mailings alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In a statement, the bureau said: “The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. This FBI will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens.”
A Senate email warned that law enforcement is attempting to intercept further letters before delivery, but cautioned “it is possible that some letters may reach their destinations.”
Ohio’s Secretary of State office was among the targets, though the U.S. Postal Service intercepted that letter before it arrived. Louisiana also received a letter, according to NBC. In Phoenix, Arizona’s State Capitol was targeted as well, with a letter opened by a clerk in the office of Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat.
On Friday, two more members of Congress reported receiving suspicious envelopes at their district offices.
Bronx Office Evacuated, Substance Ruled Non-Hazardous
Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat representing New York’s 15th District in the Bronx, said his office received an envelope containing a suspicious substance. The FDNY tested it and found it was non-hazardous.
“Earlier today, my Congressional Office received an envelope containing a suspicious substance. My team immediately notified the FBI, NYPD, and FDNY, all of which responded promptly. The FDNY tested the substance and determined that it was non-hazardous. We have since turned over the envelope to the FBI, and an investigation is ongoing. We are living in a time when threats against elected officials and their staff have become the new normal. Although my team is understandably shaken by the incident, we will not be deterred from serving the people of NY-15 in the Bronx.”
Orlando Office Evacuated as a Precaution
Rep. Maxwell Frost, who represents Orlando and co-chairs the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, said his office received a package matching the pattern seen elsewhere in the country. His staff evacuated the building and notified U.S. Capitol Police and Orlando Police.
“Today, my office received a suspicious package matching those reported by other offices across the country. As a precaution, our offices have been evacuated. U.S. Capitol Police and the Orlando Police Department have been notified, and the appropriate authorities are responding. My staff and I are safe. We are taking this situation seriously and cooperating fully with law enforcement as they assess the situation. I will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.”
No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the letters. The FBI has not identified a suspect, and the investigation into who sent the letters remains open.
