Nationwide Mail Threats Targeting U.S. Lawmakers

In recent weeks, suspicious letters containing an unidentified white or powdery substance have been delivered to district offices of multiple elected officials. Washington state Rep. Adam Smith — chair of the House Armed Services Committee — reported that his Kent office was evacuated after a powder-filled envelope arrived. In Colorado, at least five Democratic members of the state’s congressional delegation confirmed similar mailings, including a letter to Rep. Joe Neguse’s Boulder County office on Monday, October 19. Other Colorado offices that received letters include those of Sen. John Hickenlooper, Reps. Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen.

Denver PostRep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance' Seattle TimesSuspicious White Powder Sent to Congressman Joe Neguse’s Boulder County Office

Law enforcement agencies have identified a broader pattern of mailings aimed at elected officials and election-related offices across the United States. Preliminary information indicates that more than 100 such letters are circulating nationally. The current wave follows a 2023 incident in which election offices in six states received letters containing white powder, some later linked to fentanyl. No hazardous substances have been publicly confirmed in the latest letters.

Denver PostRep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance' Suspicious White Powder Sent to Congressman Joe Neguse’s Boulder County Office Seattle Times

• Letters in circulation: Over 100 suspicious mailings reported nationwide.

Denver Post

• Colorado officials affected: Rep. Joe Neguse (Boulder County), Sen. John Hickenlooper (Denver), Rep. Diana DeGette (Denver), Rep. Jason Crow (Aurora), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (Lakewood).

Denver Post

• Washington official affected: Rep. Adam Smith (Kent).

Rep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance'

• Rep. Adam Smith said his staff was safely evacuated and thanked local police and fire departments for their rapid response.

Rep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance'

• The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed they are investigating each incident and working with local law-enforcement partners.

Seattle Times

• Colorado’s Senate and House offices issued statements that staff were unharmed and that federal investigators were collecting and testing the envelopes.

Denver Post

• Local fire-department officials in Washington described the deployment of hazmat units to the Kent office.

Seattle Times

• No arrests have been made, and the identity of the powder remains undetermined pending laboratory analysis.

Suspicious White Powder Sent to Congressman Joe Neguse’s Boulder County Office

• “Earlier today, my district office received a suspicious letter containing a powdery substance, like others sent to Congressional offices across the country,” — Rep. Adam Smith

Rep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance'

• “This FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens,” — Vikki Migoya, field office spokesperson

Denver Post

Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed that any of the recent letters contain hazardous chemicals; testing results have not been released. The precise origin of the powder and the identity of any perpetrators remain unknown.

Denver Post

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise vigilance in handling unsolicited mail.

Suspicious White Powder Sent to Congressman Joe Neguse’s Boulder County Office