Suspicious Mail Targets Lawmakers Nationwide

A nationwide wave of suspicious letters and packages, some containing white powder, has targeted congressional offices and election officials ahead of the midterm elections, with more than three dozen members of Congress reportedly receiving mailings. Repeat incidents were reported at the offices of Illinois Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Mike Quigley, and other cases involved lawmakers including Rashida Tlaib, Shri Thanedar, Nancy Pelosi and Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer. In Pittsburgh, a suspicious letter delivered to the building housing Sen. Dave McCormick’s office was found to be nonhazardous, with officials reporting no threat to the public or employees. Local police, Capitol Police, the FBI, postal inspectors and hazardous-materials teams have responded, and investigators are examining the incidents as a series. Tests in several cases have found substances to be nonhazardous, and offices have said staff are safe. Lawmakers have described the mailings as attempts to intimidate public officials and urged condemnation of political violence.