FBI Investigates After Suspicious Mail Sent To Election Offices

FBI is investigating suspicious packages sent to election offices across 16 states, raising concerns about potential election disruption.

At a Glance

Suspicious packages containing white powder were sent to election offices in at least 16 states.
FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating; no injuries or hazardous materials reported.
The incidents coincide with early voting for high-stakes elections.
Some packages were reportedly labeled from “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army,” but the contents were found to be non-hazardous.
Election offices are increasing security measures amid ongoing threats since the 2020 election.

FBI Launches Investigation into Suspicious Packages

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a probe into a series of suspicious packages containing white powder sent to election offices across at least 16 states. This alarming development has raised concerns about potential attempts to disrupt the upcoming 2024 elections. The FBI, working in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is actively investigating the source and motive behind these mailings.

States that received suspicious mail include Kentucky, Indiana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, New York, Massachusetts, and Nebraska. Authorities intercepted similar mail headed to offices in several other states as well. The packages have prompted evacuations and investigations, causing disruptions to early voting processes in some locations. Despite the suspicious nature of the mailings, no injuries or hazardous materials have been reported thus far.

The FBI and Postal Service are investigating suspicious mail containing a white powder substance that was sent to election offices in at least 16 states this week, according to an ABC News canvass of the country. https://t.co/byFSl46xs9

— ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2024

Contents and Response

Authorities have reported the contents of the mail to be a white powder substance. The substance mailed in Oklahoma was reportedly confirmed through testing to be flour, but this hasn’t been confirmed in the other states. A package intercepted in Colorado was labeled as being from the “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army,” but the powder inside was determined to be harmless.

FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera said the agency is “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. 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.”

The National Association of Secretaries of State has strongly condemned these threats, stating, “This must stop, period. Our democracy has no place for political violence, threats or intimidation of any kind.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many election officials who have faced increased harassment and threats since the 2020 election.

Heightened Security Measures

In response to ongoing threats, election offices across the country are implementing enhanced security protocols. Some offices have trained staff on handling potentially poisonous materials, while others, like Milwaukee, have gone as far as providing Narcan training to election workers. These precautions underscore the seriousness with which officials are treating potential threats to the electoral process.

“The election community should remain vigilant and exercise caution when handling the mail,” a recent memo from the FBI and Postal Inspection Service said. “All suspicious substances should be treated as potentially hazardous and must be handled in accordance with established safety protocols.”

In November of last year, similar incidents involving fentanyl-laced letters caused delays in ballot counting and led to increased security measures. The recurring nature of threats highlights the ongoing challenges faced by election officials in maintaining the integrity and safety of the electoral process.

Implications for the 2024 Election

As the 2024 election approaches, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions surrounding the electoral process in the United States. The targeting of election offices with suspicious packages not only disrupts operations but also contributes to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among election workers and voters alike.

The FBI’s involvement and the coordinated response from state and local authorities demonstrate the seriousness with which these threats are being treated. As the investigation continues, election officials across the country remain vigilant, balancing the need for security with their commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process for all Americans.