Election offices in 16 US states have recently received suspicious packages containing white powder, raising alarms as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
The FBI and US Postal Service (USPS) have initiated a joint investigation into these incidents, which have affected states including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, among others. The packages, some of which were sent by a group identifying itself as the “US Traitor Elimination Army,” have been reported in Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
While the white powder in these packages has not been found to be hazardous—several cases, such as in Kansas and Oklahoma, identified it as flour—the scare has led to evacuations at some offices.
The FBI has stated that it is actively gathering evidence and investigating the origin and intent behind these packages. Authorities are also working to intercept any additional suspicious mail before it reaches its destination. Election offices nationwide have been advised to handle mail with heightened caution.
This surge in threats comes amidst increasing security concerns among election officials, following false claims of election fraud in 2020. With early voting already in progress in some states, these incidents have amplified fears of disruptions and intimidation ahead of the November 5 election.
This marks the second instance within the past year that election offices have faced such threats. Last year, officials in states like California and Georgia received letters containing suspicious powders, some of which were later identified as fentanyl.
Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen and Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray have assured the public that prompt actions by law enforcement have prevented any harm and that election offices continue to operate as usual.
