The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Postal Service (USPS) said that they are investigating why and who sent suspicious packages containing powder to election officials in at least six states on Monday, Sept. 16, which included Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming. In most cases, the material appears to be harmless.
Oklahoma officials said the white powder sent to their offices contained flour. Meanwhile, Wyoming official said that the results of the type of substance sent to officials are still pending.
Suspicious mail also forced the evacuation of offices in Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming. In Nebraska, a return address was listed as “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army.”
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said that the situation was resolved “thanks to the swift action taken by our staff members, law enforcement and other first responders.”
Evnen said he had notified the U.S. Elections Divisions to warn other states about any incoming suspicious mail.
The latest scares come less than two months before the November election. Last November, suspicious letters were sent to election officials and government buildings in a handful of states as well. Some letters reportedly contained fentanyl and delayed the counting of ballots in some elections.
This year, offices nationwide have increased security in the wake of threats following the 2020 election and false claims it was “rigged.” In Cobb County, Georgia, where a tight race is expected, sheriff’s deputies will be at early voting locations and panic buttons are installed at the election office.
