Election officials in 17 states have received suspicious packages, prompting investigations by the FBI and the US Postal Department.
The packages, some of which contained an “unknown substance,” were sent to secretaries of state and election officials across the US, from New York to Alaska. While no injuries have been reported, federal authorities are collecting the packages and working to identify the sender and their motives.
The FBI and US Postal Department issued a joint statement, confirming that they were closely monitoring the situation. “Some of the letters contained an unknown substance, and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters,” they said.
Among the states affected were Alaska, Georgia, Missouri, Connecticut, and Iowa. Colorado’s Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, disclosed that the sender identified themselves as part of the “US Traitor Elimination Army.” In several cases, the substances were found to be harmless; for instance, Oklahoma officials said their package contained flour.
This wave of mailings comes amid rising threats against election officials in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson revealed in an interview with CBS that her office has been receiving daily threats, expressing concern about the escalating political violence.
Federal investigators are continuing their efforts to determine the scope of the mailing campaign. These incidents recall a similar situation last November when election offices in Georgia, Nevada, and other states received envelopes containing fentanyl or other substances.
Additionally, federal authorities are questioning a gunman who was found near a golf course in Florida, where former President Donald Trump was playing, adding another layer of security concerns as the country prepares for the upcoming election.
Follow us on:
