WASHINGTON — Federal authorities are investigating a wave of suspicious letters sent to congressional offices and state election administrators, some containing white powder that prompted evacuations and hazardous-materials responses as the November midterm elections approach.
At least 42 members of Congress had reported suspicious mail at their offices by Saturday morning, including 12 senators and 30 represenatitives. All but five of the members were Democrats according to an analysis of public statements issued by the members themeselves, though the numbers may be higher as some offices have not released information.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police are involved in the response. A notice circulated by the Senate sergeant at arms warned congressional staff that additional letters could arrive even as postal inspectors worked to intercept them.
Among the lawmakers reporting affected offices were senators from both parties. Some envelopes were intercepted before delivery; others were opened, leading to precautionary evacuations.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) condemned the incidents, saying, “Threats, fearmongering, and violence against public servants have become far too common over the past decade and undermine our democracy.” He added, “But these attempts to intimidate us will not deter us from doing our job.” Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), whose district office was evacuated after receiving a suspicious package, echoed those concerns, saying, “Political violence and threats of intimidation have no place in our democracy, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Authorities have not identified the sender or announced that the powder found in the letters was dangerous. Testing in several incidents found no hazardous material, and no injuries had been reported in the incidents described by federal officials and news organizations.
