Suspicious mailings containing white powder sent to US election offices weeks before midterms
Federal authorities are investigating potentially hazardous letters targeting congressional and state election offices across multiple states.
What happened
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious mailings containing white powder sent to election offices nationwide. Several secretaries of state and congressional offices confirmed receipt, including Oklahoma State Election Board and Louisiana secretary of state, whose office was evacuated after a staff member opened a package on Tuesday. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office was the intended recipient of a similar letter, but the Postal Inspection Service intercepted it. Senator Chris Murphy received a suspicious substance-containing letter that was intercepted before reaching his office. Additional suspicious packages were received at the New York State Capitol in Albany and Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. Authorities declined to specify the total number of targeted offices. The Louisiana office has reopened after law enforcement found no evidence of harmful substances.
Context
These mailings occur weeks before the midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. This represents part of a pattern: vote officials in 17 states received suspicious packages ahead of the 2024 election, and a year earlier, suspicious envelopes laced with fentanyl were sent to election offices in at least five states. The timing and targeting of election infrastructure raises concerns about election security and threats to election officials during a critical period.