FBI, postal inspectors probe suspicious letters

Federal investigation underway

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious letters sent to addresses nationwide, including secretaries of state, related election offices and congressional offices. Some of the mail contained substances that had not been identified.

Brendan Donahue, deputy chief inspector at the Postal Inspection Service, said the agencies would commit their resources to protecting election officials and investigating threats or attacks against them.

The Senate sergeant at arms notified congressional staff about the investigation and said congressional offices were among the recipients.

Senate offices report letters

At least six Democratic Senate offices were sent letters, most of which were stopped before delivery. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office was among those targeted.

A Delaware office for Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester received a letter containing white powder, her spokesperson said. The letter was not opened inside the office.

Postal inspectors responded after a letter addressed to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was found at her New York City office, according to an aide. Sen. Chris Murphy’s office was also sent a letter containing a suspicious substance. His spokesperson, Josh Sorbe, said the FBI, Senate sergeant at arms and U.S. Capitol Police promptly notified the office and that Murphy and his staff were not in immediate danger because of safety protocols and the agencies’ response.

A spokesperson for Sen. Alex Padilla also said a letter was sent to one of his offices. Federal investigators have not publicly identified the substances or stated whether the letters were connected.