Election officers in Louisiana and Oklahoma have received envelopes containing a powdery substance, prompting evacuations and an investigation by the FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service. This alarming development comes just weeks before the November midterm elections.
Investigation Details
The envelopes were sent to state officials and election offices across the country, raising concerns about the safety of election personnel. A similar package containing white powder was intercepted by the US Postal Service before reaching the Ohio Secretary of State.
On Thursday, the US Senate sergeant at arms, who serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the Senate, informed members of the upper chamber about the ongoing investigation. The notice indicated that law enforcement officials are actively working to intercept additional mail, although some may still reach their intended recipients.
Federal authorities have urged recipients to treat the mail as “potentially hazardous.” Brendan Donahue, a senior official with the US Postal Inspection Service, confirmed the investigation during a press conference, stating:
