Several U.S. politicians, including New York senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, were sent letters containing suspicious substances to their congressional offices Thursday.
According to USA TODAY, the FBI is investigating letters sent nationwide to members of Congress, secretaries of state and election offices. The letters contained an unknown substance, the agency said.
What we know about the suspicious letters
U.S. Postal Inspection Service Deputy Chief Inspector Brendan Donahue said he could not confirm how many letters were sent but said postal inspectors had intercepted some of them.
“Some of the letters have contained an unknown substance, and we're working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident,” Donahue said. “And we're also working with our partners to identify
the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. I can confirm that we have intercepted some of these letters, and they are in law enforcement possession.”
Gillibrand said in a statement Thursday evening that a letter addressed to her New York City office had been intercepted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
“I am deeply grateful to the postal inspectors for protecting my staff,” Gillibrand said.
Which other senators received suspicious letters?
According to ABC News, suspicious letters were also addressed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Letters addressed to Murphy and Rochester were intercepted by the Postal Service, according to statements from their respective offices.
“Due to those efforts and various safety protocols, the Senator and staff were not in immediate danger,” Murphy's office said in a statement. “Our office is grateful for the investigators involved in this incident, and we intend to continue close coordination as the investigation continues.”
Suspicious letters reported in at least 15 states
Officials in at least 15 states, including Louisiana, Oklahoma and Ohio, also received letters and at least one package containing a white powdered substance, USA TODAY reported.
No injuries had been reported as of Oct. 15.
Contributing: USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Suspicious letters sent to Schumer, Gillibrand and other officials nationwide
