Oklahoma man charged over powder letters to public officials

Federal authorities have charged Oklahoma man Robin Martin with sending hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder, meaning powder that is not considered dangerous, to public officials before the 2024 and 2026 elections. He is charged with conveying a hoax and with mailing threatening communications, according to The Guardian.

The case follows a wider alert from federal investigators. In October, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the federal agency that investigates crimes, said it was looking into letters with suspicious substances mailed to congressional and election offices across the country. Authorities urged anyone who received such a letter to treat it as potentially hazardous.

A court filing made public on Tuesday states that the powders in the letters were yeast or flour. The FBI also said that not all of the powder letters had been fully tested.

Martin was expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Oklahoma City, the first time he would appear before a judge on the charges. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the federal court system.