The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings to election officials and to congressional offices in several states, with authorities reporting that some envelopes contained a powdery white substance.
Investigators have not identified who sent the letters, which were addressed to election offices in states including Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, as well as to Capitol Hill. In Louisiana, an employee who opened a letter Tuesday was uninjured but taken to a hospital as a precaution, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. Law enforcement reported finding no harmful substances.
Suspicious mailings to election officials draw federal response
Sen. Alex Padilla of California said his office was among those targeted. He said a suspicious package was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service before reaching his staff, adding that no threat materialized. Padilla called the incident a reminder of risks facing public servants and election workers amid increasingly hostile political rhetoric.
In a communication to congressional staff, the Senate Sergeant at Arms said law enforcement agencies are working to intercept additional letters, though some could still be delivered. Staff were advised that any suspicious letters, packages or substances should be considered potentially hazardous and handled under established safety protocols. Employees were urged not to handle suspicious mail and to leave the immediate area.
Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said the agency prevented at least one delivery. “Some of the letters have contained an unknown substance, and we’re working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident,” he said.
The guidance to staff said possible indicators include discoloration, powder seeping from an envelope, and postmarks that do not match the return address. An image shared in the communication showed a return address labeled “DSA” with a New York City location.
The FBI said it is investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent nationwide, including to Secretary of State offices and related election offices. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms did not respond to requests for comment.
The investigation echoes incidents in 2024 when more than a dozen state election offices received suspicious letters. With less than three weeks until Nov. 3, election officials across the country are focused on administering the midterms. In a joint statement, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said election administrators should never fear for their safety while performing essential duties.
