Brief
White powder mailed to election offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma
Packages containing an unknown white substance were sent to election officials in three states ahead of the midterm elections.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Secretaries of state offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma were each sent a package containing an unidentified white powder earlier this week, NBC News reported.
Ohio officials said the U.S. Postal Service intercepted the envelope before delivery, while Louisiana and Oklahoma confirmed receipt of the mailed items. In Louisiana, an employee who opened the package was taken to an emergency room as a precaution but reported no injuries. Oklahoma’s State Election Board issued a statement assuring voters that the incident would not affect election operations.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors released a joint statement condemning threats against election workers and emphasizing cooperation with law‑enforcement partners. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose echoed the sentiment, noting that his office is working with state and federal authorities and thanking the Postal Service for intercepting the mail.
Louisiana’s Secretary of State spokesperson Trey Williams said the white powder was recovered and sent to the FBI’s crime lab for analysis, and that the Louisiana State Police are collaborating with the FBI. State Police spokesperson Jacob Pucheu added that no harmful substances have been identified and no staff have reported health effects.
Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the incident does not impact the state’s ability to conduct safe and secure elections. NBC affiliate KTAL reported that the Baton Rouge building was evacuated after the Louisiana package was opened.
The FBI declined to confirm specific details about the mailings, stating only that it is reviewing the incidents.
Key facts
- Packages with an unknown white powder were sent to election offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma. (nbcnews.com)
- Ohio's envelope was intercepted by U.S. Postal Service investigators before delivery. (nbcnews.com)
- Louisiana employee was taken to an emergency room as a precaution after opening the package. (nbcnews.com)
- The FBI is testing the recovered substance at its crime lab. (nbcnews.com)
- State officials said the incidents do not affect upcoming midterm election operations. (nbcnews.com)
Sources
- [1] nbcnews.com — originally reported as “Suspicious white powder sent to election offices in 3 states”
