FBI Investigates Suspicious Mailings to Maryland Lawmakers and Elections Office

Federal investigators are examining a series of threatening letters mailed to Maryland officials and state election workers. The mailings arrived just weeks before the November 3 general election. The letters contained a white substance that lab tests later found to be nontoxic.

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are conducting a joint probe into the incidents. The mailings are part of a nationwide pattern targeting political figures and election staff. Reports of similar suspicious mail first emerged in Louisiana and Oklahoma before spreading to other states. Federal agents have not yet identified the sender or the motive behind the letters. They have also not publicly named the specific substance found in the envelopes.

Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis confirmed that his office received a suspicious letter. Law enforcement intercepted the mail after increasing screening procedures. He stated that the threats would not stop election officials from performing their duties. DeMarinis added that Marylanders can safely participate in the upcoming vote. Both U.S. senators from Maryland confirmed receiving similar mail. At least five of the state's eight House members also reported getting the letters.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume found a letter at his Baltimore office and asked postal inspectors for a briefing on security measures. Rep. Johnny Olszewski's staff isolated a suspicious letter before notifying authorities. Rep. Steny Hoyer reported receiving a letter at his Greenbelt district office. Rep. Andy Harris said his office had not received a mailing. Some other congressional offices declined to comment or did not respond to requests for information. Authorities continue to gather evidence in the investigation.