The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service initiated investigations on Tuesday concerning the origins of suspicious packages sent to election officials in more than 15 states. No immediate reports have indicated any injuries or hazardous materials in the packages thus far.
Recent packages have been received by election officials in states including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island. Additionally, Mississippi authorities reported receiving a package on Monday, and the Connecticut secretary of state’s office was alerted about an intercepted package by the FBI.
The FBI is in the process of collecting these packages, some of which contained an unknown substance, according to spokesperson Kristen Setera from the Boston office. Setera noted that, in conjunction with partners, efforts are underway to determine the number of letters sent, identify those responsible, and establish the motive behind the letters. While this is an ongoing investigation, ensuring public safety remains a top priority.
This incident marks the second occurrence within a year where suspicious packages were mailed to election officials across multiple states. The timing coincides with the commencement of early voting in several states for significant elections involving the presidency, Senate, Congress, and key statehouse positions, adding tension to an already charged election period. Local election directors are enhancing security measures to safeguard workers and polling sites, while ensuring the integrity of ballots and voting procedures.
The National Association of Secretaries of State has condemned this “disturbing trend” of threats towards election workers, urging an end to political violence, threats, or intimidation.
The Colorado secretary of state’s office reported intercepting a package containing white powder, with the sender identified as “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army.” Preliminary indications suggest the substance was harmless. Similarly, the Massachusetts secretary of the commonwealth’s office was informed by the FBI about a suspicious envelope intercepted at a state office building.
Recent incidents have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming, leading to building evacuations in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Hazmat teams have confirmed that the substances in these instances were harmless.
The Mississippi secretary of state’s Elections Division, which also received a similar package, is conducting tests through the state Department of Homeland Security. County election officials have been alerted to remain vigilant.
In Oklahoma, an envelope containing flour was found at the State Election Board. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a statement following an evacuation at the Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines, affirming the existence of specific protocols for such events.
A state office building in Topeka, Kansas, also faced evacuation due to suspicious mail sent to the secretary of state and attorney general. Fire department crews identified several pieces of mail with an unknown substance, which tested negative for hazardous materials. Affected employees are undergoing monitoring.
Similarly, office workers in a building near the Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne were sent home pending tests on a white substance mailed to the secretary of state’s office.
In previous incidents last November, suspicious letters were dispatched to election offices and government buildings in at least six states, some of which contained fentanyl. These incidents resulted in delayed ballot counting and the widespread issuance of naloxone to election workers.
Election offices nationwide have been enhancing security measures in response to increased harassment and threats, particularly following the contentious 2020 election and related false claims.
