Federal authorities are investigating suspicious letters containing unidentified substances sent to election and congressional offices across the United States, prompting evacuations and heightened security concerns just three weeks before Election Day.
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating the mailings, which have affected multiple states and raised concerns about the safety of election personnel.
Authorities have advised recipients to treat the letters as potentially hazardous, although no injuries have been reported.
Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma were evacuated Tuesday after receiving letters containing a powdery white substance, prompting responses from local law enforcement.
Officials in both states confirmed the incidents as federal investigators began examining similar mailings nationwide.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday that his office had been the intended recipient of a suspicious letter, but the Postal Service intercepted it before delivery.
He also acknowledged reports of comparable packages addressed to election officials in other states.
In a Wednesday statement, the FBI confirmed that suspicious mailings had targeted various addresses nationwide, including secretaries of state and election offices.
Investigators said some envelopes contained unidentified substances and that authorities were working to identify those responsible.
The investigation has also expanded to congressional offices, with the Senate Sergeant at Arms notifying senators about the suspicious correspondence.
According to the Associated Press, the situation appeared limited to the Senate within Congress, while the House continued monitoring developments.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors jointly condemned the incidents, expressing concern about threats directed at election workers.
The mailings follow similar incidents in previous election cycles.
In 2023, several election offices received envelopes containing fentanyl, while suspicious powder-containing packages were sent to election officials in at least six states ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Former Department of Homeland Security official John Cohen warned that election authorities face an evolving combination of physical and cyber threats, although state and local officials have strengthened their preparedness.
Federal investigators continue examining the letters and seeking those responsible as election offices maintain security precautions.