FBI probes threat letters with nontoxic white powder to Maryland delegation
Investigators are examining suspicious mailings received by nearly all Maryland congressional offices and the state elections administrator ahead of the November 3 election.
By Priya Singh ·
Eight of nine Maryland House members and the state elections administrator received threatening letters containing a white substance in recent days. Federal officials confirmed the powder is nontoxic but have not identified the specific chemical.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are jointly investigating the mailings. These incidents are part of a nationwide pattern of suspicious letters sent to lawmakers and election officials in the weeks leading up to the November 3 vote.
Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis stated that his office intercepted a suspicious letter after implementing heightened mail screening procedures. He said the threats would not stop election officials from ensuring Marylanders can safely participate in the upcoming election.
Both Maryland U.S. senators confirmed receiving similar mailings. Rep. Kweisi Mfume received a letter at his Baltimore office and requested a briefing from postal inspectors regarding security measures. Rep. Steny Hoyer reported a letter at his Greenbelt district office, while staff for Rep. Johnny Olszewski isolated a suspicious item before contacting authorities.
Rep. Andy Harris said his office had not received a letter. Other congressional offices either declined to comment or did not respond to inquiries. Federal investigators have not yet identified the sender or the motive behind the campaign of suspicious mailings, which initially surfaced in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
The white powder found in the letters has been deemed safe for handling, though authorities have not released public details on its composition. The joint investigation continues as the midterm election approaches.
Source: WOLB
