Federal authorities are investigating "potentially hazardous" letters containing "suspicious substances" sent to congressional and state election offices across the United States. The FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are working to trace these "suspicious mailings", with some reportedly intercepted before delivery.
Several secretaries of state and congressional offices have reported receiving the letters. The Oklahoma State Election Board and the Louisiana secretary of state both confirmed this week that their offices received letters containing a white powder. The Louisiana office was evacuated after a package was opened on Tuesday, but has since reopened after no harmful substances were found.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose stated his office was the intended recipient of a letter with white powder, which was intercepted by the USPIS. Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, also had a letter containing a suspicious substance intercepted before reaching his office. The New York State Capitol in Albany and the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne also reportedly received suspicious packages.