World · North America · 2 hrs ago
FBI investigates suspicious mail sent to election offices and senators
Federal authorities are investigating suspicious letters sent to election offices and congressional offices across the United States.
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are leading the inquiry, with US Capitol Police also involved.
Powdery packages led to evacuations in Louisiana and Oklahoma, while the Postal Service intercepted one intended for Ohio’s secretary of state.
Oklahoma state troopers found that the substance there was not hazardous, and no one was reported harmed.
Authorities say the substances in some letters remain unknown, and they have urged recipients to treat the mail as potentially hazardous.
The investigation comes weeks before the US midterm elections and recalls earlier election-season mailings, some of which contained fentanyl.
Officials are trying to intercept more letters and identify who sent them, though they say some may still reach their destinations.
Federal authorities are investigating suspicious letters sent to congressional and election offices across the United States.
Some letters contained an unknown substance, and recipients have been urged to treat the mail as potentially hazardous.
Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma were evacuated after receiving powdery substances, while the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a package intended for Ohio’s secretary of state.
Authorities are working to intercept further mailings and identify those responsible.
Officials in Oklahoma said the substance sent to the state Capitol complex was non-hazardous, and no one was reported harmed in the incidents.
- Who
- The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating. Election and congressional offices received the letters.
- What
- Suspicious letters containing an unknown or powdery substance were sent to offices nationwide.
- When
- The letters were reported this week, in the weeks before the November 2026 midterm elections.
- Where
- Congressional and election offices across the United States, including offices in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Ohio.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Officials in Louisiana and Oklahoma confirmed receiving suspicious letters and said they evacuated their election offices.
The FBI issued a statement about suspicious mailings, and Ohio’s secretary of state said the Postal Service had intercepted a package intended for his office.
The Senate Sergeant at Arms informed senators of the investigation, and Postal Inspection Service official Brendan Donahue confirmed it publicly.
- Investigating agencies
- FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police
- Evacuations
- Election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma
- Intercepted package
- White powder package intended for the Ohio secretary of state’s office
- Oklahoma substance
- Determined by state troopers to be non-hazardous
- Election date
- November 2026 midterm elections
4 sources
What people are saying
any threat or attack on election officials is unacceptable
Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident
Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties.
The bad news [is that] the threat is rapidly evolving, dynamic, technologically enabled and dangerous