The FBI and the US Postal Department are currently investigating a series of suspicious packages that have been received by election officials in 17 states across the country. Federal investigators have reported that some of the packages contained an “unknown substance”, although there have been no reports of injuries thus far.
These packages were sent to secretaries of state and state election officials in states ranging from New York to Alaska. The timing of these incidents is particularly concerning as the November presidential election approaches, with reports of increasing threats directed at election officials and warnings of potential political violence.
The FBI and US Postal Department are working diligently to determine the number of letters that were sent, identify the individuals responsible, and ascertain their motives. According to a statement provided to CBS News, the agencies are collaborating with law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters.
Reports indicate that packages were sent to election officials in Alaska, Georgia, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, Iowa, Mississippi, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold revealed that the sender of the letters identified themselves as the “US Traitor Elimination Army”.
Despite the alarming nature of these incidents, officials in at least four states have confirmed that there was no actual threat posed by the substances found in the packages. For example, in Oklahoma, the Board of Elections determined that the substance was simply flour.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, disclosed in an interview with CBS that her office has been receiving daily threats through various channels, including voicemails, emails, social media, and in-person encounters. She expressed concern that the situation is escalating.
This is not the first time that suspicious mail has been sent to US election offices. Last November, offices in Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington received envelopes containing fentanyl or other harmful substances.
In a separate incident, federal investigators are currently questioning a gunman who was discovered lurking in bushes on a Florida golf course where President Trump was playing golf on Sunday. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety and security of election officials and the public.
