By Steve Neavling
Federal authorities are investigating a series of suspicious packages that have been sent to elections officials across more than 15 states.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are leading the probe, though no injuries have been reported, and none of the packages have been confirmed to contain hazardous materials at this time, the Associated Press reports.
The latest round of packages reached officials in states including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island. In Mississippi, authorities confirmed the delivery of a suspicious package on Monday, while the FBI notified Connecticut’s Secretary of State about a package that was intercepted.
According to FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera, some of the packages contained “an unknown substance.”
In a statement, Setera said, “We are also working with our partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters. As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further on the investigation, but the public can be assured safety is our top priority.”
This marks the second instance in the past year where election officials in multiple states have received suspicious packages. The incidents have raised alarm as early voting has already begun for critical elections, including the presidential race and various Senate, Congress, and statehouse contests. Election officials are ramping up security measures to protect workers, polling locations, and voting procedures.
The National Association of Secretaries of State denounced the recent threats, calling them part of a “disturbing trend” of violence against election workers. The group also noted the second apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, issuing a firm statement: “This must stop, period. Our democracy has no place for political violence, threats or intimidation of any kind.”
