Full Breakdown
Suspicious White-Powder Package Sent to Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s Santa Cruz Office
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
The Santa Cruz district office of Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta received an envelope with a white powdery substance. A staffer placed the envelope in a trash can, cleared coworkers and called 911. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office evacuated the county government building at 701 Ocean Street; tests later deemed the material harmless. No injuries were reported and the building stayed closed for the day.
Nationwide Spate and Reported Lawmakers
The incident is part of a wave of suspicious letters sent to congressional and election offices across the United States. Lawmakers in at least ten states—including California, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, New Jersey, South Dakota, Connecticut, Delaware and Minnesota—have reported similar envelopes. At least thirteen members of Congress have publicly reported receiving such packages: Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Kevin Kiley, Seth Moulton, Maxwell Frost, Darren Soto, Ritchie Torres and Bonnie Watson Coleman; Senators Mike Rounds, Chris Murphy, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Chris Coons, Kirsten Gillibrand and Amy Klobuchar. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are conducting field tests that have so far found no hazardous material.
Official Statements & Responses
Rep. Panetta said his priority was staff safety and thanked local responders. He also warned that threats and intimidation against public servants have become far too common and will not deter elected officials from serving. The sheriff’s office said it was aware of similar incidents elsewhere and was investigating a possible connection. The FBI stated it and the Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections. Rep. Zoe Lofgren posted that her San Jose office also received a suspicious letter and that law enforcement was immediately called.
What’s Next
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service said the investigation remains active, with additional laboratory analysis planned. No timeline for identifying the sender has been provided.
Verbatim Quote
“My San Jose office received a suspicious letter through the mail today. Law enforcement was immediately called. The investigation is ongoing. All of my staffers are safe. I will have more to say after the investigation is complete,” — Coast Rep. Zoe Lofgren
