Suspicious Mailings Target Lawmakers Ahead of Midterms
Lawmakers report suspicious packages sent to offices across the U.S. as midterms approach.
2 min read
Lawmakers from both major parties have reported receiving suspicious mailings at their offices across the United States, raising concerns ahead of the November midterm elections. The incidents have sparked a federal investigation into the nature and origin of the packages.
Multiple Lawmakers Report Suspicious Packages
According to a report from The Hill, several Republican and Democratic lawmakers have reported receiving suspicious packages at their district or state offices. The list includes Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MO), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and over 15 House lawmakers. California Reps. Laura Friedman (D), Jimmy Panetta (D), Gil Cisneros (D), and Linda Sánchez (D) also reported receiving suspicious packages, with their staff members remaining safe.
Federal Investigation Underway
Federal law enforcement has investigated multiple letters containing suspicious substances mailed to congressional offices and state election officials. Preliminary testing of the powder on the letters reportedly showed it was not hazardous, but officials will continue testing it. Some of the letters featured a New York return address linked to the leftist Democratic Socialists of America, but the group claimed it has not had offices there for some time.
FBI and Postal Inspection Service Investigate
A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told Newsweek, “The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. This FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens.”
Political Climate Ahead of Midterms
President Donald Trump has been holding rallies in several states to encourage Americans to vote in the midterm elections. His administration is “taking decisive action to protect our elections” in several ways, as reported by Breitbart News.
Source: Breitbart
