Oklahoma Man Charged in Election Powder-Mailings

Robin Martin was arrested Monday and charged with conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications after more than 700 white-powder mailings were linked to one sender. The letters went to election officials, members of Congress, pollsters, news media and federal law enforcement; states from Idaho to Florida reported letters received or intercepted by the Postal Service. Tested powders were yeast or flour, though not all letters have been fully tested. In October the Oklahoma State Capitol Complex election office and Louisiana election offices were evacuated. Mailings were described as potentially hazardous. Martin was expected in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Left-rated coverage stressed an election-denier frame and nonhazardous powder; right-rated coverage led with the FBI arrest and officials as targets. Not every letter has been fully tested.