FBI, US Postal Service investigate suspicious mailings to election officials, lawmakers

WASHINGTON, Oct 15 - The FBI and US Postal Service's law enforcement division are probing a series of suspicious mailings, including some directed at state election officials and lawmakers ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, according to Reuters. FBI officials revealed that some of the letters contained an unidentified substance, while the Postal Service intercepted these potentially threatening packages.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with California Democrat Alex Padilla and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy, confirmed that the US Postal Service had intercepted letters with suspicious substances sent to their offices. Padilla expressed concern about the dangers faced by public servants and election administrators.

The US House of Representatives sergeant at arms reported that several public officials received letters containing white powder substances. Brendan Donahue, a deputy chief inspector with the US Postal Inspection Service, confirmed that an investigation is underway. The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors reported a series of suspicious letters sent to state election offices, including in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Idaho.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission disclosed that they received a suspicious letter with an unidentified powdery substance, which was not deemed hazardous. USPS Postmaster General David Steiner affirmed that the agency is prepared to manage millions of ballots for the midterm elections, including implementing extraordinary measures.

The US Supreme Court declined to enforce a USPS rule targeting mail-in ballots in September, causing a setback to President Donald Trump's attempt to limit mail-in voting. The agency plans to take "extraordinary measures" for the 2026 election, including extended hours, expedited handling, and special pickups of ballots.