FBI Investigates Suspicious Mail Sent to Election, Congressional Offices
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious letters sent to election officials and congressional offices. The Postal Inspection Service is the law enforcement branch of the U.S. mail system. Some of the letters contained an unknown white powdery substance, according to NPR.
The mail was addressed to election officials in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, as well as to congressional offices. Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma were evacuated after receiving packages containing the powder, according to PBS.
In Louisiana, an employee of the secretary of state's office opened one of the letters on Tuesday. The secretary of state's office oversees elections in the state. The employee was not injured but was taken to the emergency room as a precaution, spokesperson Trey Williams said. Law enforcement found no evidence of harmful substances in that letter.
The FBI said it is investigating suspicious mailings sent to addresses nationwide, including secretary of state offices and related election offices.
The Senate Sergeant at Arms handles security for the Senate. That office told congressional staff that law enforcement is working to intercept more letters before delivery but said some letters may reach their destinations. U.S. Postal Inspection Service Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue said inspectors stopped delivery of at least one of the mailings.
The advisory to congressional staff described warning signs for suspicious mail, including discoloration, powder coming from the envelope and postmarks that do not match the return address. An image included with the advisory showed a return address labeled "DSA" with a New York City return address.
