Suspicious packages sent to election officials amid early voting, FBI probes

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious packages received by election officials in more than 15 states, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. This is the second time in the past year that such packages have been mailed to election officials across multiple states.
The scare from the packages comes as early voting has begun in several states ahead of the 2024 presidential election and Senate, Congress, and key state races, threatening disruption in an already tense voting season.
While there have been no injuries or hazardous materials found in the packages so far, the situation has raised concerns in the US.
The FBI is working to determine the origin, number, and motive behind the packages, some of which contained an unknown substance, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Packages were sent to election officials in states including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island.
In Mississippi, a package was delivered on Monday, and Connecticut authorities reported an intercepted package.
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office intercepted a package labelled “US Traitor Elimination Army” containing white powder, which early tests suggest is harmless. The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office was also notified of a suspicious envelope.
The FBI is collecting and assessing the packages.
“We are also working with our partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters,” FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera was quoted as saying by AP.
“As this is an ongoing matter, we will not be commenting further on the investigation, but the public can be assured safety is our top priority,” the FBI spokesperson added.
Packages were also sent to state and election office secretaries in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming this week.
In Iowa, the Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines was evacuated after receiving a suspicious package, while a similar situation occurred in Topeka, Kansas, when suspicious mail was received by both the Secretary of State and the Attorney General.
In Oklahoma, the State Election Board received a suspicious envelope in the mail. The mail was containing documents and a powdery substance. Later the test determined that the powdery substance was flour.
With the US presidential election intensifying and less than 50 days until election day, these incidents raise concerns about election security and voter safety.
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has faced two assassination attempts, marking a tense political climate.