Security
Authorities Investigate Suspicious Letters Sent to Election and Congressional Offices
AP News · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on AP News
AI SUMMARY
Federal authorities are investigating a nationwide series of letters containing suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices just weeks before Election Day.
- Federal authorities including the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating a series of mailings with suspicious substances sent nationwide.
- The Senate Sergeant at Arms disclosed the investigation in a message to Senate offices, warning that while authorities are trying to intercept letters, some may reach their destinations.
- Offices for Democratic Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, Alex Padilla, and Kirsten Gillibrand reported receiving or having suspicious mail intercepted by authorities.
- Mailed packages with powdery substances prompted the evacuation of election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
- The Ohio secretary of state and officials in multiple states, ranging from Idaho to Florida, reported that the Postal Service intercepted packages intended for their election offices.
- The Wisconsin Elections Commission stated that tests showed white powder in a letter received there was not hazardous.
- The incidents occur three weeks before Election Day and mirror a 2023 threat where election offices in six states received mailings containing white powder.
- Previous threats in 2023 included traces of fentanyl, leading some election offices to stock up on naloxone.
- The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors condemned the threats against election staff.
- Deputy Postal Inspector Brendan Donahue stated that any threat or attack on election officials is unacceptable.
Related
Three children and one adult killed in Oregon school shooting
The Guardian · 4 hours ago
Four Indian Citizens Kidnapped in Ethiopia Released
Wazema · 10 hours ago
Clashes Continue Between Government Forces and Fano Militants in North Shewa
Wazema · 10 hours ago
Elon Musk Suggests U.S. Restrictions May Be Limiting Speed of Ukrainian Drones
BBC · 14 hours ago