Wave of Suspicious Packages Sent to Election Offices Across 20 States
Reports of suspicious packages being sent to election offices in over 20 states have sparked an FBI investigation, causing evacuations and unsettling staff members. According to a survey conducted by CNN and Associated Press reporting, the threatening envelopes have raised concerns as the deadline approaches for sending out ballots to overseas and military voters.
States Impacted
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming have all reported receiving suspicious envelopes, either directly to officials or intercepted in transit.
Response from Officials
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger revealed that his office was alerted by the US Postal Service about a suspicious package en route. In response, heightened precautions have been put in place, with staff taking extra measures to ensure safety.
In North Carolina, executive director Karen Brinson Bell shared that the state was also targeted this week. Staff members are now wearing gloves and isolating areas within the office when handling suspicious mail items.
Investigation Underway
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are actively investigating the series of mailings, with some containing unknown substances. Federal investigators are working to determine the source of the letters and the motive behind the targeted election officials.
Previous Incidents
This is the second wave of suspicious envelopes within a year, following a similar incident last November. Despite the attempts to disrupt election processes, officials remain resilient and committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the voting system.
