Federal authorities are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to election offices in at least 14 states.
The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service confirmed they are examining letters, some of which contained unknown substances, leading to building evacuations and security concerns. States affected by these incidents include Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Massachusetts, among others.
A copy of one such letter, obtained by The Washington Post, revealed that it was sent from an organization calling itself the “United States Traitor Elimination Army” and included a Maryland return address. The piece of mail, a yellow envelope, was addressed to the Nebraska Elections Division.
In a joint statement, the FBI and Postal Service expressed their commitment to working closely with law enforcement partners to safely collect the letters and determine their origins and motive. So far, no injuries have been reported, and the substances found have not tested positive for any hazardous material.
This incident comes at a time of heightened security for election officials, many of whom have faced threats and harassment in recent years, often stemming from false claims regarding election integrity. Efforts to address these concerns have included increased coordination with law enforcement and additional security measures.
While the investigation continues, federal authorities are cautioning the public and election officials to handle suspicious mail with care.
The Washington Post, Axios, USA Today, and CBS News contributed to this report.
