FBI Probes Alarming Packages Sent to Election Officials Across 15+ States

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Authorities are investigating a series of suspicious packages sent to elections officials across more than 15 states. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service have determined that these packages do not appear to contain hazardous materials, and there have been no reported injuries thus far.

The packages reached states including Alaska, Georgia, Colorado, and Massachusetts, among others. Notably, a delivery was reported in Mississippi and another package was intercepted in Connecticut, prompting swift action from federal agencies.

Kristen Setera, an FBI spokesperson, confirmed that some packages contained “an unknown substance.” The FBI is actively collecting these items to ascertain their origins and the intentions behind their sending. “Safety is our top priority,” Setera emphasized, as the investigation remains ongoing.

This incident marks the second occurrence in less than a year where suspicious materials targeted election officials nationwide. The timing coincides with the onset of early voting for the upcoming crucial elections, raising concerns about security and operational integrity in an already charged political environment.

The National Association of Secretaries of State has voiced strong disapproval of what it labels a “disturbing trend.” The organization’s statement called for an end to political violence and intimidation as critical elections approach.

In a notable incident, one package aimed at Colorado’s Secretary of State featured a label from a group calling itself the “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army,” and contained white powder. Early tests indicated the powder was harmless, yet the threat loomed large enough to warrant closer examination.

On Tuesday, Massachusetts officials received a warning from the FBI about a suspicious envelope, which was preemptively intercepted before causing any harm. Packages have also reportedly been sent to officials in states such as Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma, leading to temporary evacuations as precautionary measures.

In several cases, the materials included harmless substances, with one instance in Oklahoma revealing that the suspicious powder was actually flour. Nonetheless, panic has rippled through election offices, illustrating the heightened tension following previous election-related threats.

Last November, similar threats had already unsettled election workers in various states, including Kansas, impacting the counting of ballots. The societal impact has prompted offices nationwide to enhance security protocols, especially in light of continued harassment and threats connected to unfounded election claims from the last presidential election.

As the investigation unfolds, election officials hope to restore a sense of normalcy amid increasing concerns for their safety and the integrity of the electoral process.