USA before the midterms: Apparently suspicious letters sent to US congressional offices

Almost three weeks before the midterm elections in the USA, federal authorities are apparently investigating letters containing "suspicious substances" that are said to have been sent to the offices of congressmen and election authorities across the country. US media reported on this, citing a warning message that Senate staff received from the US Senate Security Officer.

The statement said law enforcement was working to intercept additional letters. However, it is “possible that some letters will reach their destination.”

According to the FBI, some shipments contained unknown substances. It was initially unclear whether these were dangerous. "We are working with our partners to identify the person or persons responsible for the letters," it said.

There were already suspicious letters in 2023 – with traces of fentanyl

According to the reports, election authorities in the states of Louisiana and Oklahoma received letters containing a suspicious white powder. The offices were then evacuated as a precaution. According to authorities, a similar shipment was intercepted before delivery in the states of Ohio, Maryland, Mississippi and South Dakota. No injuries were initially reported.

The reports just three weeks before Election Day are reminiscent of a similar threat in 2023, when election offices in six states received mailings containing a white powder. In some cases, the incidents affected work on local elections.

Some of these letters contained threats and traces of the powerful opioid fentanyl. That prompted some election offices to stock up on the overdose antidote naloxone.

The US midterms will take place on November 3rd. The entire House of Representatives and around a third of the Senate are up for election.

Read here how a Republican in Democratic-leaning Maine could save US President Donald Trump's majority in the Senate.