The FBI issues a nationwide warning as election offices across multiple states receive threatening letters containing suspicious powders, later identified as flour.
At a Glance
- FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigating suspicious letters sent to election officials in several states
- Letters contained unknown substances, later found to be non-hazardous in some cases
- Incidents affected at least 16 states, causing evacuations and disruptions
- Threats coincide with early voting for high-stakes elections
- Authorities advise vigilance and careful handling of mail
FBI Launches Investigation into Threatening Letters
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service have initiated a nationwide investigation following a series of suspicious mailings sent to election officials across multiple states. The letters, some containing unknown powdery substances, have prompted evacuations and raised concerns about the safety of election workers as the country prepares for upcoming high-stakes elections.
The incidents have affected at least 16 states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wyoming. In some cases, the substances were found to be non-hazardous, with Oklahoma officials reporting that the powder in their letter was identified as flour. Despite this, the threats have caused significant disruptions to election operations and heightened tensions among election workers.
The FBI is warning election offices to be on the lookout after threatening letters containing suspicious substances were sent to the offices of multiple secretaries of state throughout the country. https://t.co/EibnQmYLg7
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) September 17, 2024
Authorities Respond to Threats
Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to determine the scope of the threat, identify those responsible, and uncover the motive behind these actions. The FBI has emphasized that safety is their top priority and has advised the public to exercise caution when handling mail, especially from unfamiliar senders.
“The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to election officials in several states,” the agencies said in statements to CBS News. “Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters.”
This incident marks the second time in the past year that suspicious packages have been mailed to election officials, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by those responsible for managing our democratic processes. The National Association of Secretaries of State has strongly condemned these actions, calling for an end to political violence and intimidation.
Impact on Election Offices and Workers
The threatening letters have led to evacuations in several states, causing disruptions during a critical time as early voting begins for important elections. In Iowa, the six-story Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines was evacuated, while similar precautions were taken in Oklahoma and Wyoming.
“We have specific protocols in place for situations such as this,” Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said in a statement after the evacuation of the Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines.
These incidents come amid a backdrop of increased threats and harassment targeting election workers since the 2020 election. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson highlighted the severity of the situation, reporting daily threats received through various channels, including voicemails, emails, social media, and in-person encounters.
Call for Vigilance and Security Measures
As the investigation continues, election offices across the country are being advised to remain vigilant and handle mail with extra caution. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are working to enhance security measures and protect election workers from potential threats.
While the immediate threat appears to be non-hazardous in the cases examined so far, the psychological impact on election workers and the potential for disruption to the electoral process remain significant concerns. As the country moves closer to important elections, ensuring the safety and security of those who manage our democratic systems has become a top priority for federal, state, and local authorities.
Sources:
- FBI investigating suspicious letters containing unknown substance sent to state election officials
- The FBI is investigating suspicious packages sent to election officials in more than 15 states
