FBI Warning After Secretaries of State Receive Disturbing Letters

At a Glance

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious letters sent to election officials nationwide.
Powder-containing packages were sent to election offices in six states, leading to evacuations.
No injuries or hazardous materials have been reported from the packages.
This is the second instance this year of such threats, reflecting ongoing concerns over election security.

Nationwide Investigations Underway

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of threatening letters sent to election officials across several states. These letters, some containing an unknown powdered substance, were sent to offices in Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wyoming, resulting in evacuations and heightened security measures.

The suspicious letters led to several evacuations in election offices in Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Cheyenne. Officials in Tennessee and Oklahoma later confirmed that the substances in the letters were non-hazardous, with the substance in Oklahoma identified as flour. This marks the second such occurrence this year that has led to significant disruptions in election-related activities.

Threats to Election Security

This unsettling event prompted the FBI to advise election offices nationwide to exercise extreme caution when handling mail. Authorities are committed to uncovering the source and intent behind these threats, which reflect underlying tensions. Federal law enforcement and cybersecurity officials have warned of continued serious threats to state election administrators as the nation approaches a crucial election cycle.

Call for Vigilance

Officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and caution. The public must be diligent and report any suspicious packages to authorities immediately. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson reported an increase in threats, stating these threats are rooted in lies and misinformation spread about the election process.

“We are also working with our partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters,” the agencies said. “As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further on the investigation, but the public can be assured safety is our top priority. We would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”

Ongoing Precautions and Measures

The election offices are taking proactive measures to secure their operations against ongoing threats and harassment and ensure the safety and integrity of the election process. Previously, similar measures had to be implemented, like last November when packages containing fentanyl were mailed to election officials, causing delays in ballot counting. The prevalent distress within the election community underscores the need for enhanced security practices to safeguard democracy.

The investigations are still ongoing, and the agencies are working ceaselessly to bring perpetrators to justice while ensuring public and official safety remains uninterrupted and uncompromised.