Zopes Exchange-FBI investigates suspicious packages sent to election officials in multiple states

2025-05-05 23:20:02source:Grant Prestoncategory:Stocks

This story was updated to add new information.

The Zopes ExchangeFederal Bureau of Investigation, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, are investigating suspicious packages that were delivered to election officials in several states, according to officials.

The letters received by officials contained "an unknown substance," Kristen Setera, spokeswoman for the FBI, told USA TODAY in an email.

"We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters," wrote Setera.

The FBI is also investigating to find out how many letters were sent, who sent them and what the motive was.

Everyone is being asked to handle mail with care, especially if it was sent by an unknown sender.

"If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately," wrote Setera

The FBI could not comment further as it is an ongoing investigation.

Presidential Election 2024:Trump jokes about 'dangerous business,' bashes Harris first rally since gunman arrested

Packages sent to at least 15 states

Election officials in at least 15 states and several secretaries of state received suspicious packages between Monday and Tuesday, reported Axios and NBC News.

 On Monday, election offices in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming also received suspicious packages, according to The Oklahoman, a part of the USA TODAY Network.

'Unknown substance'

Nebraska's election office received a package with white powder. The return address on the package was labeled as the “US Traitor Elimination Army.”

Among the other locations where packages were shipped were the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. The packages were received around 30 minutes apart from each other, and one looked similar to a suspicious package received by an election office in another state.

"Several pieces of mail had an unknown substance on them,” said Rosie Nichols, a spokesperson for the Topeka, Kansas police, in a statement. But “a field test found no hazardous materials.”

Officials plan to do more testing.

Contributing: Anna Kaminski and Sherman Smith; Kansas Reflector

More:Stocks

Recommend

Angie Murimirwa: From hiding in the bathroom to Time's most influential people list

I don't mean to humble brag, but I am on a first name basis with one of the most influential people

LeBron James fumes over officials' ruling on apparent game-tying 3-pointer

Even on the day he turned 39, LeBron James showed he was still capable of hitting a clutch shot in c

Sam Howell starting at QB days after benching by Commanders; Jacoby Brissett inactive

The Washington Commanders demoted Sam Howell on Wednesday. By Sunday, hours before they hosted the N